News Summary
Emma Mooney Pettway, a quilter from Gee’s Bend, showcased her work at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as part of the Airing of the Quilts Festival Awareness Tour. The event highlights the artistry and history of quilting, promoting the Quilts Festival in October, which aims to boost local tourism and commemorate the community’s cultural heritage. The tradition of quilting in Gee’s Bend has deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing its significance in the socio-economic landscape.
Birmingham: Preserving a Legacy Through Quilting
Emma Mooney Pettway, a 65-year-old quilter from Gee’s Bend, showcased her quilting skills at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on Saturday as part of the Airing of the Quilts Festival Awareness Tour. This event aims to highlight the cultural significance and artistry of quilting, while also building momentum for the upcoming Quilts Festival scheduled for October 4 in Gee’s Bend, Alabama.
Event Highlights
The Airing of the Quilts Tour offers participants access to a remarkable collection of handmade quilts and live demonstrations, providing an immersive experience into the quilting traditions that have flourished in the community of Gee’s Bend. Event organizer and Executive Director of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy, Kim Kelly, expressed hopes that the increased awareness will lead to heightened attendance at the full festival, which celebrates the community’s rich quilt-making heritage.
Tradition and Technique
Emma Pettway began crafting quilts at the age of 12, inspired by patterns she learned from her mother and grandmothers. Her work features traditional designs such as the housetop and nine patch patterns. Depending on size, completing a quilt can take her approximately two weeks, emphasizing the intricacy and dedication involved in the craft.
Impact on Local Community
The annual Airing of the Quilts Festival stands as a significant cultural event that not only attracts visitors from around the world but also contributes to the local economy. By collaborating with various nonprofit organizations—including Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders and Soul Grown Deep—the festival promotes tourism while also preserving the history of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, a community that has become synonymous with resilience and artistry.
- The quilting tradition in Gee’s Bend has historic roots in the Civil Rights Movement, where it served as a means for economic opportunity.
- In the late 1960s, the quilters attained contracts with major department stores, elevating their craft to a recognized form of art.
- Gee’s Bend Quilts have been exhibited globally, including notable features in galleries and on USPS postage stamps in 2006.
- The festival fosters community cohesion, allowing local residents to share their stories while celebrating their heritage through quilt-making.
Future Implications
With a legacy that merges quilting with civil rights history, there is a continuous effort to further engage younger generations in the craft. As the community organizes initiatives to promote quilting as a viable economic activity, the groundwork laid by previous generations continues to influence the socio-economic landscape of Gee’s Bend.
This emphasis on the cultural and artistic contribution of quilting underscores its importance not just as a means of artistic expression, but also as a vehicle for community engagement and economic development—aiming to inspire ongoing interest in this time-honored tradition.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham to Celebrate Gee’s Bend Quilters on March 29
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Renowned Gee’s Bend Quilters
- Wikipedia: Quilt
- Alabama News Center: Airing of the Quilts Festival
- Google Search: Gee’s Bend Quilters
- Garden & Gun: Airing of the Quilts Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights Movement
- Blavity: Gee’s Bend Black History
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
