Gary Paul Nabhan Unveils a Tribute to the Borderlands’ Bold Revolutionaries in New Book

Author and ethnobotanist Gary Paul Nabhan has released a new book titled “Against the American Grain: A Borderlands History of Resistance,” which chronicles the experiences of residents from border regions who inspired significant revolutionary movements. The book features prominent figures such as Cabeza de Vaca, Juan de Banderas, Woody Guthrie, and César Chavez, showcasing their contributions to social and cultural changes.

Catherine Keyser, author of “Artificial Color: Modern Food and Racial Fictions,” notes, “With his lyrical biographies of mystics, activists, rabblerousers, singers, trailblazers and outlaws, Nabhan places the desert at the center of the ongoing struggle against colonialism, racism, and capitalism.” This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of place and resistance throughout history.

Nabhan, a MacArthur fellow and 2024 James Beard award recipient for his previous work on mezcal, will participate in the Festival of Books on March 15 at UA Library/Special Collections. There, he will join fellow author Victoria Blanco for a panel discussion, “The Borderlands,” at 1 p.m. Additionally, he will be available at the University of Arizona Press Booth #244 and the University of New Mexico Press Booth #215 for further engagement with attendees.

Reflecting on his inspiration from the 1925 classic “In the American Grain,” Nabhan expressed a belief that its author, William Carlos Williams, could not fully represent the diverse narratives of the Southwest due to a lack of access to Spanish-language materials. Nabhan aims to honor Williams’s storytelling while introducing voices that have been historically marginalized, recognizing the profound impacts of spiritual and existential motivations in shaping human actions.

In selecting the figures for his book, Nabhan felt they chose him in a sense. During his research, he encountered stories of influential individuals, such as Teresita de Cábora, a noted healer and revolutionary catalyst in her own right. Their narratives unfolded in his mind over years, leading him to weave their lives into a broader tapestry of cultural identity and resistance.

Nabhan shared a personal connection to John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts. Their work not only inspired him as a student but also shaped his path as a desert ecologist engaged in community service spanning decades along the Sea of Cortez. He attributes the establishment of protective areas in the region to the enduring influence of Steinbeck and Ricketts, emphasizing their impact on both American and Mexican conservationists.

Touching on the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s, Nabhan recognized the contemporary necessity for sanctuary, particularly in the current context of mass deportation threats. He suggested that faith communities could play a crucial role in providing refuge, echoing the historical sanctuary efforts by churches and synagogues that once sheltered thousands in Tucson. His call to action reflects a commitment to cultural resistance grounded in compassion and solidarity.

Nabhan critiqued statements from political figures promoting a narrow definition of American identity, arguing that immigrants have significantly enriched American culture. He emphasized the need to shift the narrative around immigration, advocating for recognition of the positive contributions made by immigrants to American society.

As for the overall message of his book, Nabhan aims to instill resilience in readers. In an era permeated by despair, he hopes to inspire a sense of belonging and community identity, urging people to learn from past waves of cultural resistance. He believes that collective strength can enable communities to navigate adversity and celebrate their unique heritage.