Alabama legislators explore Black Belt's cultural riches at quilting festival

GCM Staff Report
Posted 10/25/24

Five Alabama House members took a journey through the state's Black Belt recently, experiencing the region's rich cultural heritage at the third annual Airing of the Quilts and visiting the Black …

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Alabama legislators explore Black Belt's cultural riches at quilting festival

Posted

Five Alabama House members took a journey through the state's Black Belt recently, experiencing the region's rich cultural heritage at the third annual Airing of the Quilts and visiting the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center.

The trip, coordinated by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA), aimed to highlight the area's tourism potential and artistic traditions.

The group included Marilyn Lands of Huntsville, Tashina Morris of Montgomery and three Baldwin County representatives — Jennifer Fidler, Frances Holk-Jones and Donna Givens. All five legislators expressed enthusiasm for the experience, which introduced them to the area's unique tourism offerings, from its natural beauty to its deeply rooted arts community.

"If it's not the top Legislative adventure I've been on, it is certainly very, very close," Holk-Jones said in the release.

The centerpiece of the trip was the Gee's Bend Airing of the Quilts, a festival that honors the historic tradition of displaying quilts outdoors in the small Wilcox County community. Gee's Bend is renowned for its African American quilters, whose distinctive, colorful patterns have attracted attention from art collectors and fashion designers alike. The festival provided attendees with an opportunity to explore the culture of Gee's Bend and meet some of the women who carry on the century-old quilting tradition.

Participating in a hands-on quilting workshop with Gee's Bend quilters Doris Mosely, Mary Margaret Pettway and Annie Lou Square was a highlight for many of the lawmakers. The quilters, each with family histories tracing back four generations to the original artists of Gee's Bend, shared their knowledge and stories with the group, creating an unforgettable connection.

"I love how they have taken their talents and they are sharing them with the world," Givens said. "They're very proud of what they can do and have done and love to share with you. It was just a wonderful experience. I'm so glad to have visited, and I know I'll go back to the Airing of the Quilts and go back to visit everything we saw."

The legislators also visited the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center in Camden, where they participated in an art class. For Lands, the trip was a first-time experience in the heart of the Black Belt, and she was impressed by both the scenic landscapes and the cultural richness.

"I was truly overwhelmed by the beauty and the arts and the quilting festival at Gee's Bend," Lands said. "I really want to encourage people from around the state to visit the Black Belt, because if you haven't been, you have no idea what a treat you're in for. It is something every Alabamian should do."

Morris echoed this sentiment, adding that she was particularly moved by learning about the history of Gee's Bend, including the origins of the Freedom Quilting Bee.

"I enjoyed learning the history behind Freedom Quilting Bee and how the festival began," she said. "From the history to learning the basics of quilting was simply amazing. I would advise everyone in the State of Alabama to attend the festival and tour some of Black Belt's hidden treasures. There were people from all over America enjoying the festival, and we as Alabamians should definitely experience this adventure."

The trip was co-sponsored by the Alabama Association of RC & D Councils and Cosby Company. ALBBAA Director Pam Swanner said the goal was to introduce lawmakers to the tourism potential of the Black Belt's 23-county region, which includes Wilcox, Dallas, and Perry counties, among others.

"We thank the legislators for taking the time from their busy schedules to visit the Black Belt, and we hope they will spread the word about our amazing region to their family, friends and colleagues at the State House," Swanner said.

The lawmakers praised ALBBAA for promoting the region's outdoor recreation and cultural offerings. Fidler emphasized how the organization's work aligns with Alabama's "The Beautiful" slogan.

"I'm proud of the work y'all are doing to highlight beautiful parts of our state that are sometimes overlooked," Fidler said. "Your work accents the slogan 'Alabama The Beautiful' and your work will keep Alabama beautiful. You are doing such great things for our state, and for that, I could not be more thankful and appreciative of the foresight of those legislators who have gone before us. Keep it up. We are behind you."

The Black Belt region includes Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox counties.