Nonprofit Helps Quilters Sew Up New Markets
Steve Pitkin
A nonprofit called Nest has helped artisans around the world find new markets for their handcrafts and preserve cultural traditions since the group started in 2006. Two years ago, the organization turned its attention to the United States and started Makers United, an effort to help artisans of color reach more customers.
The first big project is a partnership with quilters in Boykin, Ala., a small, isolated town, where most residents trace their lineage to enslaved people on the Pettway Plantation. The average income in the area is roughly $12,000. The community better known as Gee’s Bend won renown for its quilt-making tradition in the early 2000s. Exhibits of historic quilts from Gee’s Bend traveled the country, and some of those quilts are now in museums.
COVID-19 Update: Michigan Organizations Receive U.S. Labor Department Grants, State Launches $1.5M Ad Campaign to Inform Citizens About COVID-19 Vaccine, and More
Here is a roundup of the latest news concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to announcements from local, state, and federal governments, as well as international channels. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Courtesy of Bridge, as of Jan. 19
Here is a roundup of the latest news concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to announcements from local, state, and federal governments, as well as international channels. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
1. Bridgett Floyd The world knows him as George Floyd, but to me, he was my big brother, Bridgett Floyd says. His devastating death in May at the hands of the Minneapolis police ignited protests around the world. Floyd and her siblings have bravely turned pain into purpose, establishing the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to uphold their brother s legacy of mentorship and service, as well as to fight for nationwide police reform. Since its inception, the foundation has handed out hot meals to the homeless in Fayetteville, N.C. (where George was born), and also created an internship program geared toward Black men at his alma mater, Texas A&M University. Floyd insists these steps are just the beginning. I believe that s what it means to be a badass: remaining confident and standing in your purpose, she says. My brother would always say to me, I m for ya, and it s an honor to know that today and for the rest of my life, I m for him.
This program is helping diverse creators chase their dreams in St. Louis
From soaps to clothes to scarves, Nest s Makers United program is helping more than 100 people in St. Louis pursue their creative dreams Author: Morgan Young (WFAA) Updated: 10:04 PM CST December 19, 2020
ST. LOUIS When it comes to what makes a place special, the people go a long way. When they pursue their passions, it usually makes all the difference.
Sarita Moody s journey started 15 years ago. I d always wanted to learn how to knit. I started my freshman year of college.
That was when she met her roommate. She said she knew how to knit, and I said, ‘Say no more, you have to teach me tonight,’” she said. “That was my first and only lesson.