On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Western Washington University’s Black Student Coalition welcomed members of the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters (PNWAAQ) for a community lunch entitled “The Fabric of Our Community: A Quilted History.”
The lunch was one of several events for Western’s annual Black History Month celebration. Its focus pays homage to Western’s overall theme for Black History Month 2025, also titled “The Fabric of Our Community.”
“Like a tapestry made up of single threads, or a quilt comprised of many unique patches and complex designs, we will explore ways in which the cultural values, traditions, and the shared experiences of the Black community have created a strong foundation that unifies us while also celebrating our unique differences,” wrote Nia Gipson, Western’s Black Student Retention Specialist/Black Student Coalition Coordinator.
Quilting has deep significance within the Black community: The Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. debuted an exhibition for the art form this month, highlighting how “quiltmakers have long sewn the thread of Black history into their work.” Closer to home, PNWAAQ members have presented work at locations including the Tacoma Art Museum, Dunn Gardens and the Washington State History Museum.
“The quilters that make up the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters come from all parts of the world … We’ve all come together with the shared goal of quilting and friendship,” wrote PNWAAQ Co-Founder Gwen Maxwell-Williams in an artist statement. “Our styles and techniques are as varied as the members of this group.”
For more information on Western’s Black History Month programming, visit mss.wwu.edu/black-history-month-2025.