
Finding Umoja
This community project spanned three months, engaging 135 students from 2nd to 5th grade in a St. Louis Public School with an African-centered education. Guided by the theme of painting landscapes on linen fabric, students transformed their artwork into "Story Squares" using pastels and charcoal, crafting visual narratives. From animals to people, aliens, houses, and plants, their creativity flourished. Working individually in art class and dedicating over 50 hours to quilting and stitching, I unified their textiles to adorn the halls of an underserved community. Witnessing the transformation from anger to kindness and fear to understanding among the students was truly remarkable. They ceased fighting and stood in pride as they beheld their collective creation. This project fostered a profound sense of connection, both visually and personally. Additionally, it birthed a stunning literacy tool as educators utilized the squares for structured storytelling exercises. Students eagerly built upon concepts and imaginary relationships, sparking creativity and collaboration. We made a 30ft story quilt and there was a new kindness in the halls.