The Ryan Resilience Lab welcomes Alexis Pauline Gumbs, acclaimed author of Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, for an evening that brings the wisdom of the water directly to our shores. In her groundbreaking work, Gumbs invites us to listen—truly listen—to the practices of marine mammals and the ways their survival strategies can guide our own collective resilience.
In a region shaped by the long struggle to restore the Elizabeth River, her insights land with particular power. Once declared “dead” by many scientists, the Elizabeth River has become a living testament to what healing looks like when communities commit to restoration. The return of marine life—especially the joyful reappearance of bottlenose dolphins—has become one of the river’s most celebrated signs of recovery.
Gumbs’ storytelling offers a profound bridge between the resilience of marine mammals and the resilience of the river, its wildlife, and the people who fight for its future. Her talk will invite us to imagine the river not only as an ecosystem but as a teacher—one whose lessons echo the themes of interdependence, endurance, and transformation woven throughout Undrowned.
Following her talk, Alexis will host a book signing, with on-site book purchases made possible through Eleanor’s Norfolk.
Arrive early for an optional guided tour of the Ryan Resilience Lab at 5:00pm.