Black Culture in Quilting

Quilt by Tina Williams Brewer

 

Quilting is quintessential Americana. Bright intricate quilts hang in country stores next to apple pie scented candles representing what many view as distinctly White American culture. But quilting is much more than that. It has been around for thousands of years. The first discovery of the quilting technique was discovered in Africa. Many people around the world have adapted quilting into their culture and use it to tell beautiful stories.

Michelle Obama’s Portrait

African-American quilting came into the limelight again recently with reveal of Michelle Obama’s portrait. The striking dress she wore was an inspiration to the painter because it reminded her of ‘Story Quilts’ made by the renowned Black women quilters in Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Bright colorful patterns and shapes like these were used to communicate during slavery and offer clues to The Underground Railroad.

Gee’s Bend Quilt

A local woman has also made history with her quilting. Tina Williams Brewer has been creating works of textile art for decades. Her work brings to life the stories of African- Americans and their African Ancestors. She weaves images about culture, racism, love and life. You can find her work in museums across the country, in Harrisburg and in US Embassies. A few of the stories in her quilts were no doubt inspired by her husband John Brewer, a well-known keeper of Pittsburgh’s Black History. Sadly while writing this post I found out John passed away this week.  He and his wife are Black Pittsburgh icons. He will be missed and I offer my deepest sympathies to Tina and her family.

Tina Williams Brewer
Tina and John Brewer

 

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Lanae Lumsden
Lanae is lifelong Pittsburgh resident with a brief stint in Ohio for her high school and middle school years. Most of her life she lived in Wilkinsburg but recently became a resident of the north boroughs. Lanae holds an associates’ degree in fashion merchandising and a bachelor’s degree in business management. After college, Lanae, entered the insurance and financial services industry by becoming a licensed agent and a claims specialist. Lanae also is an advocate for cloth diapering and baby wearing. Through her website drybabies.org she offers information and sources offering cloth diapering to all women and families in need. With two boys and 3 girls ranging in ages from 18- 2 most of her time is spent traveling to ballet lessons, band practice, and cello lessons. Also, two of her children are special needs and require various appointments and therapy. When there is time left, she enjoys writing, sewing and cooking. She is currently finishing up her first novel with more already in the works. With a love for travel, Lanae and her family have been to 5 different Caribbean islands and 2 countries in South America. So, look to hear more about the organized chaos that is traveling with 5 kids.