February 21, 2023
The counter-institutions and the many radical networks that Jen Angel helped build and nurture were a key foundation to the formation of Justseeds in the early 2000’s. She was a friend and colleague to many of us. We mourn her passing while equally celebrating her life. Below are a collection of writings and art to Jen Angel from the extended Justseeds network.
David Solnit (Berkeley, CA)
Dear Jen Angel,
Thinking of you as I made this design with love and appreciation for you, for a long friendship, for how you move in the world — even after you have left us, and all the ways you support people, communities and movements, including me. I’m learning from your practical, down to earth brilliance, love, and generosity. Thank you.
The bottom of the image is from a botanical illustration of mycelium (Rebecca Zwanzig, High West Wild). I was listening to a talk this week about how forests are interconnected and provide critical information and mutual aid, which is facilitated by hub trees. I realize that you have been such a hub tree for our human forest. Suzanne Simard, a scientist who grew up in the forest, explains, “When [Hub] Mother Trees—the majestic hubs at the center of forest communication, protection, and sentience—die, they pass their wisdom to their kin…sharing the knowledge of what helps and what harms, who is friend or foe, and how to adapt and survive in an ever-changing landscape.”
love, David
