Collection of the American Folk Art Museum
Made by Jessie Telfair of Georgia in 1983, this quilt embodies our collective political voice. From the American Folk Art Museum,
This is one of several freedom quilts that Jessie Telfair made as a response to losing her job after she attempted to register to vote. It evokes the civil rights era through the powerful invocation of one word, “freedom,” formed from bold block letters along a horizontal axis. Mimicking the stripes of the American flag, it is unclear whether the use of red, white, and blue is ironic or patriotic, or both.
Let freedom ring. Here is the Air Force Concert Band playing “America”.
And to maintain your freedom and our freedom, educate yourself on the issues, contact your elected officials to share your opinions, and VOTE.
I so agree – I voted earlier this week and so glad I did. Weather forecast here on Tuesday is calling for rain and to be cool!
Thanks! I voted already, too. We have lots of opportunity to do so in Iowa.
We only need to read a little about the treatment African-Americans endured while trying to vote, to know that voting is a privilege we should never take for granted!
Unfortunately, rights have been pushed backwards in many states, and the disenfranchisement disproportionately affects women and the poor.
What an amazing quilt! Thank you for sharing!
Isn’t it wonderful? I’ve shared it a number of times in different places, and I know I will do so many more times, too. Thanks.