The Community Empowered Participants Weave Stories Through Quilt Exhibit
At Bread for the City, we are committed to empowering our community through various programs and initiatives. Recently, we had the honor of showcasing a remarkable display of creativity, resilience, and solidarity at Work in Progress: A Liberation Quilt Exhibit. This exhibit featured the stunning works of regular participants from our community empowerment classes, who spent months crafting their unique liberation quilts.
Threads of History and Hope
Quilting has long been a powerful medium for storytelling, particularly in marginalized communities. Historically, quilts have been used to pass down stories, preserve memories, and express hopes for the future. Our liberation quilts continue this tradition, embodying the diverse experiences and aspirations of our participants.
Over the past several months, members of our community have come together in a series of classes to learn the art of quilting. For many, this was their first experience with the craft. With guidance from Danielle Billingsley, also known as “Cousin D,” our skilled instructor, and the support of fellow participants, they mastered techniques and found their unique voices in fabric and thread.
Crafting Liberation
The theme of liberation resonated deeply with our participants. Each quilt tells a personal story of struggle, resilience, and the quest for freedom and justice.
Ms. Nisey’s quilt, “Stepping Out,” depicts the beautiful experience of getting dressed up and feeling confident before a night on the town, which she does with a friend she met in Community Empowered classes. Ms. Jannie’s quilt depicts a journey from adversity to triumph, using bold colors and intricate stitching to symbolize overcoming obstacles. Ms. Terre’s quilt incorporates traditional African patterns, paying homage to ancestral roots while envisioning a future of unity and strength. Each quilt is a testament to the power of creativity and community in the face of adversity.
A Community Celebration
The culmination of this journey was a heartwarming exhibit that brought our community together. Held at our Southeast Center, the exhibit was a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and empowerment. Participants beamed with pride as they shared the stories behind their quilts with visitors. The exhibit space was filled with admiration and appreciation for the incredible talent and effort on display.
Visitors could engage with the quilts on a deeper level, learning about the personal and historical contexts that inspired each piece. The exhibit fostered conversations about liberation, justice, and the importance of creative expression in community building.
Looking Forward
Bread for the City thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this exhibit, from our talented quilters to our dedicated instructor, staff, and supportive visitors. The Liberation Quilt Exhibit is more than just a display of beautiful quilts; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. It highlights the importance of providing spaces where individuals can express themselves, connect with others, and work towards a common goal.
Join Us
Our Community Empowered workshops happen most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM-12 PM. You can always see our calendar of upcoming classes here. If you are interested in learning more about our programs or getting involved, we invite you to visit our center or contact us. Any DC resident 18 and over is welcome to attend the workshops. Unfortunately, we do not currently have the capacity for children to accompany the community members during the workshops. Together, we can continue to create, empower, and inspire.
About Bread for the City
Bread for the City provides comprehensive services to low-income residents of Washington, D.C., including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services alongside advocacy for systems change. Our mission is to help people develop their power to determine the future of their own communities.
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