Kindred Spirits quilting conference celebrates heritage, art in Durham

Juneteenth marks the end of enslavement in the U.S.

There are festivals and events all weekend long in the Triangle, including one conference that couples artistic flair with tributes.

It's an art form that means more than sewing. The heritage of a community is stitched in each quilting square.

Kimberly Pierce Cartwright says the history and use behind quilts have evolved.

"Going from comfort and warmth, to a place now where art quilters a lot of the time use it as voice for social justice," Cartwright said.

The "Kindred Spirits" conference is an opportunity for these African American women to share their stories.

"I planned this around Juneteenth to talk about liberation and talk about that liberation through the creativity of these beautiful souls who have come to Durham to celebrate," Cartwright said.

Jereann King Johnson's quilt, "Talking back on Hollywood Screens" honors Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar for her role in Gone With the Wind.

"It's a real passion for me," said Johnson. "Even though she was in this subservient role, she took it and gave it power."

Lisa Woolfork is a sixth generation sewist. She traveled from Virginia to learn and celebrate.

"What I appreciate about the Juneteenth holiday is that it allows us to come together to remember our ancestral craft, to remember the creativity and ingenuity of our ancestors in order to survive in a system meant to destroy us," Woolfork said.

A pop-up quilt event open to the public will be happening from 6 to 9 here at The Fruit in Durham. You can find a full list of Juneteenth celebrations and events here.