Our mission is multi-layered:
To celebrate and teach about the work and accomplishments of those women (and men) past, present and future, who made the Bee such a powerful artistic and community force.
--To offer real economic opportunities for a new generation of quilt makers and artisans.
--To provide solutions to community needs, such as Internet access and voter registration for those who otherwise couldn’t access it.
--To advance our plans to draw tourism to the area and offer a deeper experience of the FQB Legacy history and current activities, with shops, lodging, classes and interactive exhibits.
--To preserve the past and evolve into the future by creating jobs, building wealth and teaching life skills to enhance our community. Our Vision
Just as the original Freedom Quilting Bee was a juggernaut for change in women’s lives, families’ futures and the community at large, Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy has broad and powerful goals for its future. Economic opportunity and personal dignity for black women are at the heart of our vision. We plan to develop the property here in Alberta, Alabama to draw tourism, historians and textile fans. In the future, we envision:
--A café and gift shop, cabins for rent (there is currently no lodging in the area) and housing for artists and workshop instructors that will travel from abroad. Studio space for painting and music.
--Workshops and classrooms where our local artists can teach their skills to new generations of children who can learn about the proud history of their great grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and sisters.
--A library and technology lab (the nearest library right now is 35 miles away).
--An event center, day care center and senior activity center.
--A walking and biking trail to promote basic low impact exercising to contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
--Events and celebrations, such as weddings, reunions and more, being held on this rich and historic Blackbelt soil.
