The Quilting Storyteller: Preserving African American Culture and History through Quilting Stories

“I was arrested for walking down the street!” Ray, who was 90 years old, answered as tears began to roll down his cheeks. “Excuse me?” I said. “Look Ray. We don’t have to talk about this.” I felt so bad. He was crying. This ninety-year old man was crying, and it was my fault for bring up this topic, I thought.“Yes, we do, Ray said. “It is time to talk about this.”Sometimes oral history, the passing of African American History from one generation to the next, elicits additional trauma and pain. Other times, it brings forth great joy and hearty laughter.This book will allow you to travel through the life of the author as she explores the oral history, heritage, faith and the plethora of experiences of her family and friends. There are many ways to pass down history. The author has decided to pass down her stories and the ones she received via the oral tradition through quilting. Thus, the fabric becomes the story. The quilt becomes the legacy. This book allows one to hear the stories, view the quilts and better comprehend the details of African American History and its impact on the lives of ordinary people. Read more