SEKY organization aims to revive quilting in black Appalachian culture

HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - The art of quilting holds a deep meaning within Appalachian history but especially for African Americans in Appalachia. One organization is hoping to spark an interest in quilting in younger generations.

“Within the African American community, this art of quilting is diminishing,” said Emily Hudson, Executive Director of the Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center. “Its not being passed down to the next generation.”

The Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center (SEKY AAMCC) created a video series called, “Stories Behind the Quilt,” where black Appalachians tell the stories behind their family quilts and host workshops for community members to come and work on a quilt with one another.

“We want to look at our history, explore, rediscover and tell the stories of those who have gone before us, those who are still currently here making history and just bringing all of that to light,” said Hudson.

Hudson added the first season of the series is compiled of four episodes and a season finale where they will reveal the final quilt that has been worked on in each of the episodes.

You can find the series on YouTube.

The SEKY AAMCC is asking for community support in order to open the museum. If you are interested in donating, click here.

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