Community members gather to create a quilt that memorializes the victims of lynching in Jefferson County.
A touching initiative has begun in Birmingham, uniting the community to create a memorial quilt honoring the victims of lynching in Jefferson County. Led by Create Birmingham and local organizations, this project seeks to facilitate healing and discussions on racial injustice. The quilt aims to confront Alabama’s dark history through community engagement. Workshops begin soon for those aged 14 and older, promoting creativity while exploring the legacy of racial violence. Once completed, the quilt will be exhibited at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, ensuring that the stories of the past resonate in our shared future.
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as a heartwarming initiative takes shape, bringing the community together to honor the lives of those tragically lost to lynching in Jefferson County. This remarkable endeavor is led by Create Birmingham, a passionate non-profit organization, in collaboration with Jefferson County and a host of local groups. The goal? To sew together a stunning quilt that not only memorializes the past but also fosters healing and encourages conversation about the important issues of racial injustice.
Between the time of the Civil War and World War II, the United States saw thousands of African Americans lynched, with Alabama tragically reporting 362 such cases. Of these, 33 lynchings took place right here in Jefferson County. This quilt project aims to confront this painful history and address the lingering scars of racial violence that have affected our communities deeply.
The Jefferson County Memorial Quilt Project isn’t just about fabric and thread—it’s about creating a platform for dialogue within the community about the vital issues surrounding race and justice. By actively engaging citizens through this creative process, the project intends to bring forth meaningful discussions that could lead to understanding and healing.
Here’s where you come in! From March to June, there will be six exciting, free, public sewing workshops held in Jefferson County. These workshops invite everyone aged 14 and older to join in, where participants can step away from their daily routines to engage in something truly special. Not only will you get to contribute to a significant communal project, but you’ll also receive a sewing kit, along with expert instruction from the talented folks at Bib & Tucker Sewer Op.
As you work on your quilt squares, you’ll have the chance to dive into enlightening discussions led by The Black Cherry Tree Project. These sessions will explore the history of racial violence in our area, offering a deeper understanding of the context surrounding the lynching victims being honored through the quilt. Each square of the quilt will be thoughtfully designed using research sourced from the Jefferson County Memorial Project Victim Archives, ensuring that every stitch is imbued with significance and respect.
Once the quilt is complete, it will be displayed publicly at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as part of a larger exhibition featuring works by local artists from The Black Cherry Project. This showcase will not only highlight the artistic talent in our community but also serve as a reflective space to remember and honor the lives of those who suffered heinous injustices.
If you’re ready to be part of this touching project and want to explore your sewing skills while making a difference, head over to createbirmingham.org for more information and to register for the workshops. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your neighbors, express creativity, and play a pivotal role in promoting healing in our Birmingham community.
The Jefferson County Memorial Quilt Project represents more than just an artistic endeavor; it embodies a collective push toward recognition and reparation, ensuring that the stories of the past resonate in our shared future.
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