This spring, local teacher and seamstress Debra Harley, who also directs the Kids to Africa program, taught quilting to students at Frederick Douglass Senior High School. This project, funded by the Very Special Arts program, took place after school two days a week.

The students work was part of the extra-curricular program offered through the Africana Studies Resource Center and the Students at the Center program. Teachers Ricardo Wilson and Jim Randels, students at the Center staff members GaBrilla Ballard and Lisa Richardson, Fred Hampton Youth Action Committee volunteer Khalil Shayd, and community activist Evelyn Glasper assisted with the project. Over 15 students participated, learning weaving, sewing, and quilting in the African tradition.

Solomon and T'Wan display a quilt and loom as part of the Douglass Festival for Social Justice.

Students work on their sewing techniques in the quilting and discussion circle.

Philosophy and Patrick work on their stitches.

Ms. Harley explains a technique to Patrick.

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