From old Negro spirituals to words of encouragement and humor, five women from the of Gee’s Bend Spoken Word College Tour filled the Opal Johnson-Smith Auditorium Tuesday, Oct. 16.
Sponsored by the new AT&T and hosted by the John B. Coleman Library staff, the event was part of a nationwide tour where the women visit various college and university campuses.
“The Gee’s Bend women inspired me to value the wisdom of older people,” said Rebecca Williams, a graduating senior and double major in political science and English. “My mother always taught me to listen to older people because you’re going to go through trials and tribulations and older people can always help you through it.”
The “Quilts of Gee’s Bend” exhibition has received tremendous international acclaim, beginning with its showing in Houston, then at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. They have been published in numerous print and media broadcast organizations such as Oprah’s O magazine, House and Garden, and Martha Stewart Living just to name a few.
The Gee’s Bend Quilters, who came to Prairie View, consist of China Pettway, Mary Ann Pettway, Mary Lee Bendolph, Florine Smith, and Revil Mosely. All the women started quilting at very young ages, ranging from 7 to 12.
The quilts were made from pieces of blouses, dresses, and pants that people didn’t want. “The quilts weren’t made for show, they were to keep us warm,” said Bendolph.
The women talked about quilts being a new form of art that needs to be showcased and displayed. “Quilting is like medicine,” said Mary Ann Pettway. “When you’re quilting it will make you forget about the pain you have because you get to focus on doing something positive and good, like quilting.”
Not only are the women good at quilting, but their food specialties range from collard greens to peach cobbler and sweet potato pie as well. Dr. Joahanne Thomas-Smith, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, said that Prairie View is celebrating the arts in a first-class manner.
Lauren Kelly, library art curator and chair of the Library Fine Arts Appreciation Committee, was pleased with the turnout of students who came to see the legendary women.
“I think the turnout was good considering it was after mid-terms,” she said. “It shows how precious our elders are. It’s easy to take for granted the everyday things our elders do and the traditions they keep alive.”
When asked for words of encouragement to the students at Prairie View A&M University, Mary Ann Pettway said, “Continue on frame and ask the Lord to guide you and listen to your parents because what they tell you to do is because they love you and would not do anything to hurt you.”