This past November, 8-11, I was fortunate to attend one of the four per year, Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats in Raymond, Mississippi (30 minutes outside of Jackson, Mississippi). It was truly an awesome experience.
Two of my co-worker friends, Renae and Twonda attended the Retreat, also. It was such a great time sewing and partaking in this momentous occasion with them.
We quickly realized that this would be more than the typical Retreat like the ones that we have attended in the past. It was an atmosphere filled with quilters and non quilters from 27 states embarking on 4 days of fellowship with people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences with a common goal to bear witness and hear Mary Anne and China Pettway's historical journey.
Both Mary Anne and China constantly praised God for their humble beginnings as a child to meeting President Barack Obama and presenting him one of their masterpiece quilts.
To personally hear and learn about their Gee's Bend heritage was truly inspiring. I will never forget the beautiful song, "While I Yet Live" which they sang several times throughout our stay. Lyrics: "I don't want nobody to praise me when I'm gone, give me my flowers while I yet live". And both Mary Anne and China received their flowers from the many praises and positive comments that all Retreat participants gave them in appreciation of their quilts and stories.
This was more than a Quilting Retreat. Just to sit in their presence was truly spiritual as they were not shy about acknowledging the goodness of God through their personal journeys.
I look forward to attending the Retreat in 2024 to relax, reflect and participate in the spiritual art of quilting.
My rendition of a Gee's Bend Quilt
My hand quilting project
Mary Ann Pettway
China Pettway
Additional information:
The New York Times has a great video piece that was done in 2018. Check it out to learn about Gee's Bend.
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