The quilt Pathways to Freedom (the Peace Quilt) honoring the works and life of Rosa Parks debuts this Saturday at the Martin Luther King Memorial Library in Washington DC. The quilt was made and designed by Geri V. Ford, two time ribbon winner at the IQA Show in Houston. The quilt is the centerpoint of the a larger photo exhibit of the life of Rosa Parks, specifically her trips to Washington Dc. Below is the press release.
ROSA PARKS: BEYOND THE BUS
Women’s History Month Celebration
The Special Collections Division of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in collaboration with the Washington D C/Metropolitan Regional Area Chapter of Pathways to Freedom of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development are honoring Rosa Parks for Women’s History Month, March, 2008.
The tribute, “Rosa Parks: Beyond the Bus” will honor the 21st anniversary of the founding of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development (1987) and Pathways to Freedom, by Mrs. Rosa L. Parks and Elaine Eason Steele, the only organization established by Mrs. Parks to carry on her legacy. Rosa Parks’ lifelong commitment to children and youth will be celebrated. The tribute includes exhibits in the Special Collections Division, the Washingtoniana Division, and the Black Studies Center of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. Featured is a collection of rare photographs produced by the Pathways to Freedom DC Regional Chapter. Some of the photographs are by three former homeless youth who were part of a National Homeless Youth Photography Program, their photos were in Life Magazine, and they became International photographers the Students continue to be in partnership with the DC Pathways to Freedom Chapter of the Rosa and Raymond Park Institute for Self-Development.
The Photographers are (Charlene Williams, Dion Johnson, and Daniel Hall,) others are Professional Photographers and photojournalist, Ray Wilson, Lloyd Wolf, Mark Kerin, Jack Smith, Monica Morgan, Theodore Rice and, Ella McCall-Haygan captured poignant glimpses of the D.C. area and shared them with Mrs. Parks and the other chapters of the Institute in the U.S. and around the globe. A custom designed “Peace Quilt” is a part of the “Pathways to Freedom” collection and which chronicles the various journeys of the students while tracing civil rights/freedom trails and depicts important events in the life of Rosa Louise Parks, the Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement. Also the four books written by Mrs. Parks (some are autographed) and a few personal artifacts are displayed.
Presenters for the March 15, 2008 Tribute will bring unique intimate perspectives of their relationship with Mrs. Parks and her building of the Institute to carry on her legacy. Elaine Eason Steele of Detroit, Michigan, co-founder of the Rosa & Raymond Institute for Self-Development, over a span of 47 years, was Mrs. Parks’ confidant, best friend and served as her “Chief of Staff” and caregiver prior to her transition October 2005. Anita Peek, Executive Director & Historian of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development will profile the stories Mrs. Parks shared about her early work with young people leading to the establishment of the Institute. Additionally, long time friend Mr. William Tucker, Vice- President Bethune-DuBois Institute will speak.
In keeping with Mrs. Parks’ focus youth participation is integral to the afternoon. Dramatic readings from the four books authored by Mrs. Parks will be read by children active in the Washington, D. C. Metropolitan Regional Area Chapter of the Pathways to Freedom Educational and Historical Program. Selections performed by the Miner Elementary School Choir will include audience participation in the singing of O’Freedom, Mrs. Parks’ favorite. A video produced by C-Span at Howard University on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1998) will also be shown.
The program takes place in the Great Hall of the Martin Luther King Memorial Library,
Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow (RSVP required). Please respond by March 7, 2008, (202) 727-1213
For more information contact:
Ella McCall Haygan-Regional Director Pathways to Freedom
Rosa Parks Institute for Self-Development-Washington, DC/Metropolitan Area Chapter
2024-16th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20009
Office:(202)-483-0322-(301)-248-1375
fax-(301)-248-7344 Cell-(301) 704-8440
e-mail: emccallhaygan@rosaparks.org
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