When the Women of Color Quilters Network hosted a recommittal ceremony to celebrate a new headstone for Harriet Powers, one of America’s most famous quilters, we knew this was a significant moment in history that could not be missed. We made sure members of the Quiltfolk crew were present when the former enslaved artist’s new headstone was unveiled for the world to see—at the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
And we quickly realized that this story was too good to end on that momentous day.
So…Teresa Duryea Wong hosted a discussion with four incredible women who are keeping Harriet’s legacy alive: Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi who led the effort to acquire and install the new grave marker, Kyra E. Hicks who wrote a seminal book on Harriet and designed her headstone, Jennifer Swope who is a curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the keeper of the celebrated Pictorial Quilt, and Aisha Amos Carter who is Harriet’s great-great-great-granddaughter.
Now, we are inviting you to take a moment to sit back and witness these ladies’ intense passion for Harriet and her incredible contributions to the world of quilting!
If you want to read more about Harriet Powers and the people who have been inspired by her, both Issue 29: New Jersey and Issue 30: Georgia feature stories that highlight the work of this world-renowned maker.
Teresa Duryea Wong is a writer, quiltmaker, and antique quilt collector as well as a member of the International Advisory Board of the International Quilt Museum. Learn more on her website.
