Racist Trees: Unveiling Hidden Histories and Environmental Racism with filmmakers Sara Newens and Mina T. Son

Welcome back, Tree Speechers! We’re thrilled to begin Season 5 with a new conversation in a clearing, as we continue to find new understandings to the tangled relationships we have with the natural world in which we inhabit. 

Could a row of trees really symbolize racial segregation and environmental racism? Join us as we unravel the contentious story of the Tamarisk trees in Palm Springs, California, with documentary directors Mina T Sun and Sarah Newins. This episode takes a critical look at the intersection of race, class, and urban development in the historically Black neighborhood of Crosley Tract, where these trees have come to represent systemic barriers. Inspired by a 2017 article, Mina and Sarah's powerful film "Racist Trees" exposes the deep-rooted issues plaguing this community and questions why it took a white activist to shine a light on their plight. Through our discussion, we aim to highlight the documentary's impact and its surprising global resonance.

We also delve into the broader societal implications that go beyond Palm Springs. The film's journey, from its premiere in Amsterdam to its reception at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, demonstrates the universal relevance of these hidden stories. A critical perspective on the city's history, sparked debates fueled by media figures, and involvement from city council members are all examined. The metaphor of the trees challenges perceptions and encourages a new awareness of environmental and racial issues. Join us for a compelling conversation with Mina and Sarah as they share their insights and the importance of amplifying community voices.

Racist Trees is streaming for free on Pbs.org and the PBS app through April 20th, 2024, and will be available on PBS Passport after that date. We highly recommend that you check it out and would love to hear from you. Email us at [e-mail] with your thoughts.

We are so thankful to our guest Sara Newens and Mina T. Son for joining us today.

Sara Newens is an award-winning filmmaker and editor based in LA who has received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on Pretty Baby: Brook Shields and Allen v. Farrow and served as editor and writer for the documentary, On the Record. 

Mina T. Son is a Korean-American filmmaker based in LA whose films have screened at film festivals and museums, including the National Gallery of Art, Margaret Mead, Traverse City and Cinequest. With Sara, she has directed Top Spin, streamed on Netflix, and Racist Trees through their company, Wild Pair Films, and is in post-production on a longitudinal documentary about Japan’s 2011 tsunami. 

This week’s episode was written and recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pennacook, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), and Pawtucket people, and in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes, as well as in         San Francisco on the lands of the Ohlone, Ramaytush, and Muwekma tribes, and Maryland on the Piscataway people. Tree Speech is co-written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and we thank Alight Theatre Guild for their support. 

To learn more about our podcast and episodes, please visit treespeechpodcast.com and consider supporting us through our Patreon - every contribution supports our production, and we’ll be giving gifts of gratitude to patrons of all levels. Please also consider passing the word, and rate and review us on Apple podcasts. Every kind word helps.