Franklin Roosevelt's Postage Stamp Quilt

My sister, Kyra Hicks, has a passion for quilts and quilting ... especially as it relates to the Black community. While doing some research of African American newspapers from the 1930s she came across a startling headline: “President Roosevelt Gets Present of Novel Quilt Designed By Indiana Woman.”

Most of us see that headline and keep moving. My sister sees it and begins to ask questions:

1. Who was this Hoosier quilt-maker?
2. What inspired her to gift the President of the United States with a quilt?
3. What was so “novel” about the bed covering that Black newspapers across the country carried its story?
4. Where is the celebrated quilt today?

As she gets answers to these questions a book is born! Follow the surprising pursuit from a WPA Sewing Room in Marion, Indiana to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC and even on to England and France.



Kyra previously shared the true story of a young slave girl’s fifty-year quest to see Queen Victoria and give her a quilt. This time she takes us on a Depression-era adventure featuring exquisite quilts made for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Can Quilting Heal the Political Divisions in Washington DC?

Many people are looking for ways to tone down the rhetoric in Washington DC. Our nation needs to return to a time when people could argue passionately about their positions without demonizing their opponents.

My sister is a world-renowned quilter. She suggests that the time might be right for President Obama to call on both Democrats and Republicans to participate in a good ol' fashioned Quilting Bee. She imagines that the announcement of such a quilting bee might best be made on the Larry King Show.






Of course, my sister, Kyra Hicks, has more traditional information to share about quilting.  I encourage you to check out her other books -- Black Threads, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria, The Liberian Flag Story & Love of Liberty Quilt or 'This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Others Pieces'.

Unpacking Collections: Symposium on Researching and Using Quilt History Collections (October 8-10, 2010)

My sister, Kyra Hicks, will be joined by Carolyn Mazloomi, Lauren Cross, Patricia Turner and Merikay Waldvogel at the Michigan State University Museum on October 8-10. Please help us spread the word about the Cuesta Benberry Symposium by sharing this post with any villagers that live in Michigan or that are fans of the ancient art of quilting.

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria

I shared information on my sister's book, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria a few years ago.   It is a children's book that share the true story of Martha Ann Ricks, an ex-slave who spent fifty years saving spare coins to fulfill her dream of meeting the Queen of England. 

Kyra Hicks (shown in above photo) is a world-class expert on African American quilts and quilters.   I'm pleased to see that a review of her book is now available on video:






Click here to see the book on Amazon.

Personally, I can't even sew a button back on my shirt ... however, I suspect that the villagers reading this blog post are much more creative.   Have any of you practiced the art of quilting?  or painting?  or anything else in the artistic realm of our village?

Kyra Hicks Reveals Unknown History of Renowned African American Quilter

My sister (shown in photo with me and Mom) has the art and quilting worlds abuzz with news of a lost Lord's Supper quilt by a famous ex-slave.

Kyra Hicks, 43, recently published "This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces." African American and art history buffs know that Powers, a former Georgia slave, created at least two powerful quilts 100 years ago. The two folk art quilts are in permanent collections in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts. Hicks' research has shed new light on Powers' work and life.

Historians have speculated that Powers stitched pictorial images because, as an ex-slave, she was illiterate. They also hypothesized that Powers quilted more than the two surviving quilts, but had no proof until Hicks uncovered it.

Hicks, a quilter herself and manager at Marriott International, started compiling a simple annotative bibliography of references about Powers and became inquisitive about what was known about Powers.

"I'm a huge fan of the PBS program 'History Detectives'," Hicks said. "I had no idea my weekend investigations would lead me to travel to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Georgia, and, most surprising, Iowa."

She combed books and microfilm at the Library of Congress and files at both the Smithsonian and Museum of Fine Arts.

In Keokuk, Iowa, Hicks made an earth-shattering discovery: a copy of a letter written by Powers in 1896 to Keokuk resident Lorene Curtis Diver.

Harriet Powers wrote about learning to read as a child. She also wrote about her quilts, including the Bible Quilt now at the Smithsonian, and of an 1882 Lord's Supper Quilt, which seems lost today.

"I firmly believe there is a chance the Lord's Supper quilt by Harriet Powers still exists," said Hicks. "Two Powers quilts have independently survived more than 100 years. Given my research, I believe the Lord's Supper quilt is in a private family collection not yet attributed to Mrs. Powers. I believe someone has the priceless treasure in their closet, stitched by the most famous American quilter, and is just waiting to be discovered."

Carolyn Mazloomi, Ph.D., an author and noted authority on African American quilts, calls Hicks' book an "extraordinary feat of research" that reveals new information about what may be the most important and iconic historical quilts in the country.

"What she's uncovered has really changed history," Mazloomi said. "She has opened a whole new window to Harriet Powers' life that historians hadn't been able to in the past."

Dr. Patricia A. Turner, a professor at the University of California at Davis and noted folklorist, said that Hicks' book is "absolutely remarkable."

"She followed up on every possible lead that there was and was so tenacious," Turner said. "We now have a much fuller understanding of Harriet Powers' life. It's hard for me to overstate just how important Kyra's book is. I think it's going to be required reading for anyone interested in American quilt history."

I love my sister. I'm very proud of her accomplishments. I encourage you to check out her other books -- Black Threads, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria, or The Liberian Flag Story & Love of Liberty Quilt.

'This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces' by Kyra Hicks

I encourage all villagers to check out the latest book published by quilting advocate Kyra Hicks. Her new book is entitled, 'This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Others Pieces'.

Kyra researched this book for over two years to document information about Harriet Powers (1837–1910) and her two known quilts (The Bible Quilt at the Smithsonian - and the Pictorial Quilt at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston).

What say u about quilting?

Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying It Forward

One of my favorite blogs is Sojourner's Place. The vibe and flow from that blog is uplifting in every sense of the word. As such, it filled me with joy to learn that Sojourner honored this blog with her 'Helping Hand' award. Later I was honored by A Slant Truth and Regina's Family Seasons with this same award.

Sojourner commits her life to "leaving the pile higher than (she) found it". She seeks to "pay that help and support forward" to those new to the blogsphere. As such, she created the "Emblem of the Helping Hand" as a token of her appreciation for blog mentors and a source of encouragement for those who are up and coming.

The rules for this award are simple:

• Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers in support and encouragement for their efforts.


• In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog or blog author with a link for others to visit.


• Each recipient must show the Emblem and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him.


• Link the Emblem to this post: Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying it Forward so that others will know it origin and impetus.


• If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll, Technorati Favorite list, or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard.


• Add your name to The Helping Hand meme at my new blog entitled The Emblem of the Helping Hand and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.


• Display the rules

To my Blogging Mentors, please accept this "Emblem of the Helping Hand" as a symbol of just how much your help, support, and encouragement has meant to me during the past 6 months.

1. African American Political Pundit - I came close to resigning my membership in The AfroSpear a few months ago. AAPP stepped up with a phone call and other support to work things out in such a manner that I could remain with this progressive group of bloggers. I appreciate his helping hand very much!
2. Blacks Gone Geek - I have worked with Milt Haynes for a number of years in BDPA. In fact, I served as national president-elect of that crew during the two years (2002-2003) in which Milt was national president. Milt urged me to get engaged in Web 2.0 world for many months before I finally did so. I am glad to publically acknowledge the helping hand that Milt has provided to me over the years.
   
3. Dallas South Blog - Shawn Williams is a brother who quietly and effectively takes care of business through his blog. He attended the Jena 6 protest march last year. He served as a credentialed blogger at the Democratic National Convention earlier this year. He worked behind the scenes on Urban Policy issues for the Obama campaign. Over the past few weeks he has promoted his blog with a weekly Constant Contact message. I plan to follow in his footsteps over the coming weeks. It is for these reasons that I acknowledge the helping hand of this powerful blogger.
4. plezWorld - Plez is an AfroSpear colleague. Many people talk the talk ... but Plez is a brother that walks the walk. He stepped up as a volunteer for a thankless task. This award is my way of saying, 'Thanks'!
5. Ultraviolet Underground - PurpleZoe opened up my eyes and heart to the impact of human rights abuse in Darfur, Tibet and elsewhere. More to the point, she created a forum, Roots of Humanity, and a monthly blogging campaign, Am I Not Human?, to bring awareness of human rights issues to our blog readers. She is a sister with a powerful aura and I appreciate her cyber-glow.

I'm "Paying it Forward" to the following blogs. These are blogs that are doing it and doing it well. Each has a very special place reserved just for them in the Electronic Village. I encourage you to visit, leave a comment, and if are so inclined give subscribe to them as well. Cause we bloggers are fragile and need your support and encouragement.

1. Black Threads - My sister, Kyra, is the person who got me into blogging in the first place. I want to 'pay it forward' to her because she deserves it. She is an eCommerce marketing manager, author, and quilter. She just co-wrote her third book, "Liberia: A Visit Through Books". It follows on the heels of her previous books for children and quilters. She is currently collecting info on President Obama Quilts!
2. Blogging While Brown Conference - One of my favorite blogging moments this year was being a presenter and attendee at the 1st annual Blogging While Brown conference hosted by Gina McCauley in Atlanta GA. I look forward to attending the 2nd annual BWB Conference in Chicago and I hope that many of you will be there as well.
3. Clark Thought Leadership - Julius Clark is an up-and-coming leader in the IT industry. I've known Julius for a number of years. I always knew that the young brother could throw down in the hospitality suite ... I now know that he can throw down in the boardroom as well. Julius is president-elect for BDPA Charlotte chapter and I want to 'pay it forward' on the success of his brand-new blog.
4. Keep It Trill - One of the most dynamic bloggers that I've met in recent weeks is Kit. Her writing skills and her willingness to be an activist in the afrospere inspire me. As such, I want to 'pay it forward' by supporting her in any manner possible as we move into the new year!
5. SES: Science, Education & Society - This is a blog created by The Urban Scientist. Science is not a subject discussed very much in the Black community. This blogger is consistent in bringing good information and open dialogue about science for any person of African descent interested enough to visit. I 'pay it forward' in the hopes that more of us will find and support this great blog(ger)!

Well, I hope that you take a moment to visit with the 10 blogs shown on my two lists. Each of them inspired or supported me during these past 6 months. I will close using the words of Sojourner ... MUCH OBLIGED! VERY MUCH OBLIGED!

Interview with Kid's Lit Author Kyra Hicks

Coming up on Mother's Day y'all! If there is a mother ... there is a child. My sister, Kyra Hicks, wrote an outstanding children's book focused on a child of African descent. The book is called Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. I'm remarkably proud of my sister.

Do you recall having books read to you when you were young? Do you remember reading books to your children as they went to bed? Children's books are a phenomenal way to share the remarkable stories of real people. It makes you wonder how generations before us managed to enjoy stories exlusively through the oral tradition, without the combined talents of storytellers and artists.

Click here to hear an audio-interview of Kyra ... where she talks about magazine articles inspiring books, emphasizing the positive to move a story forward and how Kyra herself has become passionate about the subject of her book.

Share some love with Kyra either in the comments section below or by visiting her blog.

Manic Monday: 1,000

The Manic Monday meme word today is 1,000.

Villagers, I hope is that it won't take 1,000 years for our nation to become the 'more perfect union' that Barack Obama spoke about in Philadelphia last month. We have mishandled, fumbled, stumbled and generally messed race relations up in our generation ... our parent's generation ... our grandparent's generation and so forth thru the birth of our nation.

One reason I support Barack Obama is that his vision for our country is filtered through the lens of his existence as the child of a Black father and a white mother. As such, he may be able to show us by his own personal character and judgement that positive race relations is possible. However, there are other things we need to do to ensure harmonious and productive race relations in America over the next 1,000 years!

One thing we can do today is ensure that our children see themselves and the diversity of our nation in the books that they read.

Did you know that the number of African American Children’s Book authors published in 2007 has declined nearly 12% since 2006! The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) has tracked children’s books by and about people of color in the US since 1994. Recently the CCBC released the 2007 stats - an estimated 77 children’s books by African American authors were published in 2007 out of an estimated 5,000 children’s books published! [SOURCE]

It made me sad to learn this information today. I hope my future generations over the coming 1,000 years of our nation's glorious existence on this planet will be marked by a 'more perfect union'. I hope that all of us support and encourage our libraries, bookstores and childcare-providers to demand more African American children's books for all of our children to read in 2008 and beyond.

You can begin today. Be one of the next 1,000 people to purchase Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria for a child you know!

Kyra Hicks: Celebration of Children's Literature

The Brown Bookshelf is introducing authors and illustrators as part of their 28-Day Later celebration of Black History Month. These authors and illustrators play an essential role in the field of children’s literature.

If you spend any time in the children’s literature section of the blogosphere, you’ve probably already met Kyra Hicks. She started her blog, Black Threads in Kid Lit, in early 2007, writing on the subject of African American children’s literature — picture books, reviews and other topics of interest. Since then, she has become an important addition to the online children’s literature community.

Beyond blogging, and even more important, Kyra is an author and storyteller. While attending a traveling exhibition about story quilts — Stitching Memories: African American Story Quilts — she became inspired.

"I remember knowing at that moment that I wanted to tell stories using fabric," she says. Soon, she was creating her own story quilts.

In 2003, her guide book, Black Threads: An African-American Quilting Sourcebook, was published by McFarland & Co. She followed that success with Martha’s Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria, published in early 2007.

Kyra is my sister! Please take a moment to enjoy this interview of her as part of the 28-Day Later celebration!

Blog It Forward

Danielle Vyas, author of Modern Musings has named the Electronic Village as one of her favorite blogs in a meme named Blog it Forward. Danielle is an Original Villager in that she was one of the first to discover our blog last year. She is an activist in the pure sense of the word and I encourage all villagers to check her blog out today if you can.

This Blog It Forward meme appears to have been created in October 2003 by Buzz over at the Buzzstop blog. The meme rules are simple: 'pick someone off of your blogroll (or bloglines, linklist, bloglink) and post a little something about them on your site. Tell us why they are on your list. What makes them link-worthy? Perhaps you'd like to spotlight someone on your list that isn't getting the attention that you think they should. Maybe it's someone who has made a difference in your life. Maybe it's someone who just puts a smile on your face every day.'

Here are those that I wish to share the love with today:

1. Black Political Thought (BBR #660) - Janet Shan owns & operates this blog. She seeks to be the premier blog for conservative and balanced political and social commentary. I thoroughly enjoy the detailed postings on her blog.


2. Blacks Gone Geek (BBR #641) - This is a relatively new blog created by Milt Haynes. I served as national BDPA president-elect when Milt was national president. Earlier we each served as colleagues on BDPA board of directors when Milt led the BDPA Chicago chapter and I led the BDPA Cincinnati chapter. I appreciate the support Milt provided to me over the years and I'm hopeful that his blog continues to grow and evolve.


3. Black Threads (BBR # 308) - This blog is owned and operated by my sister, Kyra Hicks. I credit Kyra with getting me started as a blogger. She is a published author and her blog focuses on niche of African American quilters. Any quilters or quilt-lovers out there?


4. Detrick DeBurr (BBR #666) - This brother provides a weekly rant worthy of notice. He's a bit slow on the uptake as far as Hillary v. Obama ... but, Detrick is a serious entrepreneur and an up & comer in the afrosphere.


5. On The Black Hand Side (BBR #246) - This is an informative, educational and entertaining blog with a growing blogger interview series called '20 Questions With...'. Vanessa Byers owns and operates this blog. She was kind enough to interview me on her blog. Perhaps you will be next?

Have you had a chance to visit any of these blogs in your travels through cyberspace?

Live From the Bottom Shelf: Kyra Hicks

I've been blogging about serious issues impacting on our community. It's a holiday weekend. As such, let's lighten things up a bit with an update on my sister. Kyra Hicks, the distinguished author and quilter extraordinaire was recently interviewed on the Bottom Shelf blog. The interview focused on her children's picture book, Martha Ann's Quilt For Queen Victoria, which is based on the true story about a former slave who moves to Liberia with her family, and whose determination leads her to a personal meeting with the Queen of England (back when being the Queen of England actually meant more than just wearing funny hats).

Villagers, I invite you to take a moment to read Kyra's answers to Five Picture Book Related Questions.

Any other quilters or creative artists here in the Village?

Fatherhood & Inspiring Americans

There are some blogging events coming up that I wanted to share with villagers. One of them is brought to you by Rosemarie (Miscellaneous Matters). She is calling for everyone to post a poem, message or letter about your greatest memory of your father or fatherhood. The timing is right and I hope that many villagers will consider participation in this effort.

Kyra Hicks (Black Threads) is part of the growing Afrosphere. She points out to villagers that the Smithsonian is looking for Inspiring Americans - and your vote counts! Here's your chance to share your thoughts with the Smithsonian, nominate your favorite historical or contemporary villager, your teacher, your mentor, or any person who motivated you to do better!

Villagers, are you aware of other events on the upcoming calendar that we should share while we are sitting around the Electronic Village baobob tree?

5 Blogs That Make Me Think

The evolution of the Electronic Village over the past couple of months has been a joy to experience. I started this blog with an idea that it would become an online oasis where elders from other parts of cyberspace would be willing to sit by our baobob tree in the center of the Village and share their wisdom with us. The stories we would tell around the fire would vary -- Alkebulan, Black culture, economic inclusion, family, information technology industry, science fiction, sports, youth education and other ecletic commentary would be shared in the Village.

It appears that our efforts are appreciated. A 30-something sister with an aptly-named blog, Not Fearing Change, nominated us for a Thinking Blogger Award. She wrote, "The Villager writes about social controversial topics. Items such as race; environment; social conditions. I have only been recently introduced to the blog. But I am slowly but surely becoming a common visitor. As well the Villager was oh so kind to sign me up for a new blog movement – I will let the Villager explain…"

My responsibility is to share the Thinking Blogger Award with five (5) blogs that make me think. There are many blogs and bloggers that I have come to read and respect. However, the five that I tag with this award are:

1. Cincinnati Black Blog - I came across this blog over two years ago. It was the first and only blog that I read for most of those two years. It is run by Nathaniel Livingston. I respect Bro. Livingston for his persistence and consistency in sharing his controversial view of life for Black folks in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2. Black Threads - My sister, Kyra Hicks, is a world-reknowned expert in the field of African American quilters. She published two books, a website and a blog on the topic. She is the one that explained to me that I could create a blog at no cost. I'm not a quilter, but, I admire the concentrated focus that Kyra puts into her blog.
3. African American Opinion - I seek out bloggers of color. I seek out blogs that have information uplifting for people of African descent. Bro. Rock is the blogger that brings together more information for African Americans than I have seen in any four other blogs combined. It truly is a remarkable effort and I highly recommend this blog to anyone with an interest in nubian thought.
4. The Federation - I don't publicize it much ... but, I'm a science fiction fan. I've read most books written by Isaac Asimov, Octavia Butler, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert and Larry Niven. I saw most episodes of ST:DS9 and ST:Voyager. So, it may not be surprising that the next blog that makes me think is based on a diary of a harassed Starfleet Officer in the 24th Century on the Star Trek of Life. I enjoy the photos, posts and the overall theme of this blog. The blog author goes by the moniker, 'Jean Luc Picard'. His blog makes you think and smile at the same time.
5. Modern Musings - My favorite blogger is Danielle. Her random thoughts (musings) on a wide variety of issues always makes me think. She demonstrates a willingness to share her thoughts on some of the tough social issues of the day. Many of the design elements of the Electronic Village came as a result of my wandering in her blog. Hey, let me know if you figure out her profile photo ... is she laying down or what?

Anyhow, these are the five blogs that make me think. I encourage you to visit each of them and share your comments as you feel the spirit to do so.

Interview with Kyra Hicks

I have shared information about my sister's blog and website in the past. The quilt shown above is one that she made back in 1995. Many villagers know that she recently published a wonderful children's book called, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. The book provides a true tale of strength and faith as a lesson for children.

Our Electronic Village drumbeat today is about an interview with Kyra posted by Irene Watson (AuthorsDen.com). There is a second interview conducted by Juanita Watson (Reader Views) with some interesting perspective on slavery and quilting.

You can see that I am proud of the work that my sister is doing with Black quilters. Now you can beat the drums for this sister ... my sister ... if you have time or inclination.

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria

I am very proud of both of my sisters. One of them, Kyra, published a children's book last year. This was her second book. Both focus on her passion for quilting. The children's book is based on a true story. It is called Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria.

Martha Ann is twelve years old when Papa finally saves enough money to purchase her freedom from slavery. In 1830, the family leaves east Tennessee to begin a new life in Liberia. On market days, Martha Ann watches the British navy patrolling the Liberian coast to stop slave catchers from kidnapping her family and friends and forcing them back into slavery. Martha Ann decides to thank Queen Victoria in person for sending the navy. But first, she must determine how to make the 3,500-mile voyage to England, find a suitable gift for the Queen, and withstand the ridicule of family and friends who learn of her impossible dream. Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria is the true story of Martha Ann Ricks, an ex-slave who spent fifty years saving spare coins to fulfill her dream of meeting the Queen of England.

Kyra is a quilter, just like Martha Ann. Kyra's quilts have appeared in more than thirty exhibits in the United States and abroad. She loves historical research and rediscovering the lives of quilters past. She is the author of Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook. Kyra lives in Arlington, Virginia, where she tends her colorful, fragrant rose garden. Visit her Web site at http://www.blackthreads.com/.

My sister recently created a teacher's guide for any educator that wants to use this children's book as part of the learning process. Click here for your copy of the 4-page teacher's guide.

Kyra Hicks: 'Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria'

My sister, Kyra Hicks, is a quilt scholar and expert. She wrote the definitive book on African American quilting a few years ago. Her second book is about Martha Ann Erskine Ricks, "a little girl from East Tennessee who shook the hand of Queen Victoria."

The story of that handshake and the quilt is extraordinary. The title of Hicks' new children's book, "Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria," with illustrations by artist Lee Edward Fodi, describes the life of Martha Ann in Liberia.

Kyra will be making a series of speeches as part of Black History month celebrations in Tennessee this month. She will be in East Tennessee from Feb 24-27 for a series of presentations sponsored by the East Tennessee Historical Society, Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Smokey Mountains Pearls Interest Group of AKA Sorority Inc. and the Knox County Mayor's Office. There is a great article on the series of events in the Knoxville newspaper.