In 2023-2024, a group of women from West Raleigh Presbyterian Church and Wilson Temple United Methodist Church partnered on a joint quilt project. Sauda Zahra, a nationally recognized art quilter, was invited to teach portrait quilt techniques.

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Inspired by the mission of Matthew 25 churches’ call to dismantle systemic racism, they chose to honor African American women with Wake County roots living during Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era. Among them are educators, activists, servicewomen, librarians, authors, business owners, and musicians.

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The project’s nine-month creative journey attests to the community threads that connect us all. The makers hope you enjoy their artistic interpretations of these amazing women and that you leave this exhibit inspired by their stories.