Michelle Obama's Family Quilt
Last Updated on 5/22/2013
Published on 12/26/2008
Written by Clayton Stairs
A story quilt created by local artisans will be part of a very special inaugural exhibit in Washington, D.C., in January.
Inspired by the family history of Michelle Obama, the next first lady of the United States of America -- including her Gullah roots in Georgetown County -- this quilt will be one of several entries in the "Quilts for Obama" exhibit at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
The exhibit will run from Jan. 11 to 31.
Led by Vermelle "Bunny" Rodrigues, members of The Quilting Circle from the Committee of African American History Observances (CAAHO) stitched this historic quilt in 10 days with help from the community. Rodrigues is the owner of the Gullah O'oman Museum and Gift Shop in Pawleys Island.
With the theme, "From a Gullah Slave Cabin to the White House," the quilt includes 10 squares of scenes from Michelle Obama's family history surrounding a large block featuring Michelle Obama graduating from Princeton University and Harvard University Law School.
The first square depicts the slave cabin where her great-great-grandfather Jim Robinson lived on Friendfield Plantation, now part of Hobcaw Barony.
In the last square is a rendering of the White House in Washington, D.C., where the Obamas will live starting Jan. 20.
SEE DISPLAY, Page 4
Community involvement
Rodrigues, who came up with the plan for the story quilt, says it was difficult to choose just the right scenes to represent the evolution of a family.
"This is one of the most challenging quilts I've ever worked on," Rodrigues said. "It was a lot of hard work, but it was an awesome experience."
She says the people who came together to take on this tremendous challenge definitely enjoyed themselves.
"We had different people come in to help and we tried to include everybody," Rodrigues said. "Everyone had so much fun, even if some people were just threading needles."
The Quilting Circle, which had not met for more than a year before completing the Obama quilt, includes: Rodrigues, Mabell Smith,, Ruthena Alston, Flo Pinckney, Evelyn Wragg and James Wragg. Community members who helped out include: The Rubies, Jeanette B. Anderson, Shirley Britton, Gerry Nelson, Alex Gore, Dermain Nelson Lillian Jean Johnson, Thelma Spears, Ann Potterfield, Andrew Rodrigues, Thelma Shubrick, Joann Thompson, Iris Johnson, Margaret Williams, Dorothea Simmons and Frank Lathe, who photographed the whole process.
"When the call was sent out that this quilt was going to be made, we were overjoyed and eager to participate," Rodrigues said. "We looked forward to the fellowship and the opportunity to be working together again to sew this important quilt in honor of Michelle Obama's family's historical journey."
The Circle
She explains that The Quilting Circle is not a quilting guild or a perfect quilting club.
"We are a group of old Gullah-Geechee people who quilt by adding pieces on fabric to tell a story about 'We People.'" Rodrigues said. "We do almost all of the appliqu free-hand like our ancestors did, cutting out patterns and sewing them on the quilt. Accordingly, some seams and stitches are not even, but that is called quilting with love from the heart."
The story
Five of the squares -- on the left side of the quilt -- depict Michelle Obama's Gullah roots through the generations.
From the afore-mentioned slave cabin, the story continues as the second square shows a woman, Michelle's great-great-grandmother, working in the rice fields, using a mortar and a pestle, and a sweet grass fanner basket to husk rice. She is also shown making quilts and cooking delicious food like red rice, shrimp gumbo and hoppin john.
The next square down includes young Fraser Robinson Sr., Michelle Obama's great-grandfather as a tree fell on him and broke his arm, eventually leading to amputation of that arm due to infection. It also depicts Frances Nesmith, the son of an overseer from another local plantation who befriended young Fraser Sr. and obtained permission to take him home with him to recuperate from the operation. That is where Fraser Sr. grew up, with Nesmith's children.
Four squares down shows Fraser Sr. selling newspapers in the City of Georgetown, as a cobbler (shoe maker), and in a lumber mill. Credit is also given to Fraser Sr. for teaching himself how to read and write.
Square five depicts the importance of religion in the Robinson family, as well as many Gullah families, with a rendering of Bethel AME Church, which Michelle Obama's grandfather, Fraser Robinson Jr., attended. Other members of the Robinson family attended St. Stephen AME Church in Georgetown and still others attended Cumberland AME Church in Georgetown County.
On the right side of the quilt, events are portrayed which directly effected Michelle Obama's life. It starts out with her grandfather, Fraser Jr., who attended Howard High School, and a friend arriving in Chicago on a train that left Georgetown from the corner of Front and South Fraser streets.
Square seven shows the Robinson family (including Michelle) playing a family board game in their home in Chicago. The eighth square shows Barrack and Michelle on a bench on their wedding day.
Next is the Obama family on the night of Nov. 4, 2008, when Barrack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States. That is followed by the rendering of the White House.
"Michelle Obama is a strong 'Gullah O'oman' who, with Barrack, her husband, carries her ancestors' dreams, hopes and aspirations; and those of all of America's people," Rodrigues said. "She has taught us how to survive in what can be, at times, a hostile environment; and through it all, she has given us the strength and the courage to endure then and now."
Weaving history
Mabell Smith, a member of The Quilting Circle for more than six years, says being involved in this historic project was an honor for her and the other quilters.
"We were delighted to take a little part in it," Smith said. "Who wouldn't want to do something for the first-lady-to-be?"
She says she thinks the Obamas will appreciate the hard work and dedication it took to make the story quilt and she can't wait to see the quilt again when it comes back to Georgetown County, most likely to hang in the CAAHO center located in the City of Georgetown.
"I hope (the Obamas) will feel proud for a group of ladies who tried to do something that expresses where Michelle came from," Smith said. "When the time comes, we will be glad for it to come back."
Ruthena Alston, another long-time member of the quilting group, says she was overwhelmed with emotion when Rodrigues asked the group to participate in this historic occasion.
"I thought, 'Why not?'" Alston said. "The idea was impressive, organizing the quilt from a slave cabin to the White House. I hope the quilt becomes a historic piece."
She says she can remember when Michelle Obama's grandfather, Fraser Robinson Jr., sang in the choir at Bethel AME Church.
"He was a terrific bass," Alston said. "His voice sounded like thunder."
Dermain Nelson and Alex Gore say they learned a lot from helping The Quilting Circle on this project.
"This quilt is a sign of change," Nelson said.
"As we were working on the quilt, I was listening to these wise women talk about the history of Georgetown and the many changes up to now. They went through the struggle to help make the change. You should never forget where you came from and all of the people who struggled for you."
Gore agrees.
"I really enjoyed working with those ladies because there was a real sense of community," Gore said. "I feel this quilt is a good way to welcome the first lady to White House and it is something to share with everybody, to celebrate the moment."
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It is incredulous to believe that in this day and time, we are still subjected such ignorance and utterly hateful comments as I felt were written in the comment posted by “C” on 12/27/08. As a quilter, myself, I am honored that the first family has shared a part of their own personal history with the nation. Every quilt tells a story, or leaves a message. It is what makes quilts and quilting so interesting-it is an art form and it is historical. The maker and/or the receiver have a story to tell or share. And this is no less true for the President of the United States and his family. Re: the “pleage of Allegince “ ~ What is that, anyway? I am aware of the Pledge of Allegiance ~ is that what the writer of intelligent comments on 12/27/08 meant? Additionally, regarding a night in the White House that “C” is paying for ~ perhaps writer “C” could afford nights at the White House, if the nation weren’t so financially strapped from the remnant policies of the previous administration. Did her family have an opportunity to spend any nights at the White House and swap quilt stories prior to Jan. 20, 2009? I was just curious….. By the way, I wonder, what is the name of the Jungle from which writer “C” hails? Posted by R on 3/31/2009 |
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This story was featured on the local news in Washington, DC this morning. Good work! Posted by wayne on 1/12/2009 |
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people needs to stop hateing people for the color of there skin, we were born this way, so what would you say to god for his creation of all of us, keep up the good work ladys Posted by melissa white female on 1/4/2009 |
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Carolie, it's disheartening when one's comments are so offensive, such as yours. I realize that you have a right to your opinion, but it's time to move forward in a positive manner. Life is just too short to be caught up in the offensive learned behavior of yesterday. The quilt is a beautiful expression of love. Hopefully you will spend more energy expressing love than hate. Change comes from within. Allow yourself the opportunity to change your heart and you're be surprised at how wonderful life can be. After all, we all part of one race -- the Human Race. Peace and blessings, Posted by bowie60 on 12/31/2008 |
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Is it Hobcaw or Friendfield Plantation? They are different. Let's be sure the information is correct before it represents Georgetown in Washington. Posted by Good Question on 12/30/2008 |
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-obama-slavery-01-dec01,0,485324.story?page=2 If you read the attached article from the Chicago Tribune, it states that M. Obama's ties are with Friendfield PLANTATION. This G-town times article states . . . The first square depicts the slave cabin where her great-great-grandfather Jim Robinson lived on Friendfield Plantation, now part of Hobcaw Barony. Which is it??? Posted by Wondering ? ? ? on 12/29/2008 |
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I think it is so sad that people like this person Carolie can't see pass race or color. When the other presidents moved into the white house I didn't hear these words.We all would like for our children to have a sleep over in the white house but we can't do that so we should not talk about ones tax money because we all have part in the tax money part. We all can't have a sleep over in the white house because I would like to do that too. I don't know who you are but just be fair and think about that Carolie thank you. Posted by Gee 12-29-08 on 12/29/2008 |
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RE: " Since my tax money lets them live so good." What next: you going to demand to be allowed to sleep over, in base housing, at Parris Isle Air Station, Charleston Air Force Base, Fort Jackson, Charleston Naval Weapons Stations, etc, etc as well as eat free in the Mess Facility since YOUR money allows them to "live so good"? Posted by Frank H. Staley on 12/28/2008 |
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~ My "true ole timey feelings"? [truly LOL!!!] ~ Anyone with even the most remote concern for progress and success in of of the state of South Carolina should and does have concerns about attracting new business and industry. I'm not now nor never will say that the established businesses should go away. ~ RE: "Frank Stanley" My name is spelled "S~T~A~L~E~Y" AND ~ I despise and detest Georgetown soooooooooo much that I stay in the Carolinian Inn (on Church Street/Hwy 17) whenever I am in the Low Country visiting family and friends, playing golf on the Grand Strand and/or when I attend Bike Week in North Myrtle/Atlantic Beaches [ : - ) ] . . . Posted by on 12/28/2008 |
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I think this quilt is a wonderful idea and will represent our community in a positive way. I wish I could have had a part in the construction of the quilt. Love, Peace and Happiness. Life is too short to argue. Posted by Rebecca Staats on 12/28/2008 |
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Are you letting your true ole timey feelings show as a true racist.. you guys worry about why people don't move here other than the sawyer type people.. give it up.. Posted by to Frank Stanley/carolie on 12/27/2008 |
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ALSO, did you demand that your "childern" receive personal invites to sleep over at/in the national residence during any previous administration? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . Posted by Frank H. Staley on 12/27/2008 |
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1. The mentality reflected in "Posted by Carolie on 12/27/2008" are reflective of why South Carolina, even before the national economic downturn, continued to have difficulty attracting new business and industry! 2. Our beloved Georgetown has received a lot of good publicity over the course of the recent Presidential campaign simply because Mrs Obama has a family connection to the city. 3. What is "pleage of Allegince"? AND, before you go off in error, research the factual history of the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Although I am a native of SC with definite Georgetown roots, I now live and work in the metro-DC area. I fully well inderstand why some pols refuse to wear flag pins. Regretably, in the past few years, wearing a flag pin has become a hollow, "look at me I have one", fashion de rejour Captiol Hill fashion statement. As a card carrying life member of the American Legion and the VFW, it irks me greatly and I'd rather see them not worn rather than worn in such a shallow, mindless manner . . . Posted by Frank H. Staley on 12/27/2008 |
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Who cares where her family came from. Next we will have hear about Obama's quilt. Oh yea that right his family is still in the jungle. Or maybe we should hear all about his past. Then we will know what he is all about.Maybe instead of hearing about a quilt.We should hear them say the pleage of Allegince. Or better still maybe they could wear the Amercian Flag.Because they are here in America.I also hope my childern are invited for the sleep overs at the white house.I think all children should be able to go. Since my tax money lets them live so good. Well, News is news even if it so whatever! Posted by Carolie on 12/27/2008 |
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Why didnt this article mention Strange or Rothrock. No hardi plank? The media has been bought people. Keep your eyes open they are now part of the hardi invasion Posted by I. John DeConkey on 12/27/2008 |
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"LEGACY" This represents all those who weren't able to witness such an accomplishment of "SLAVES" descendants - Generations of Georgetonians who are no longer with us, would be proud of this moment, let alone having one of their own play a key role in changing history and perceptions of how Our People have been portrayed in society - I love it - Quilting is one of Our Legacies - and Mrs. Obama is doing well to carry on her Families Lagacy - C - J Posted by "C -J " on 12/27/2008 |
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Lighten Up: Very well said!!!! Posted by Us on 12/26/2008 |
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Hey whatever, get a grip. It's christmas time. not every story has to be murder, robbery, rape and corruption. I am glad the paper gives space to some of the good stuff. Posted by lighten up on 12/26/2008 |
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I hope this was not on the front page of the hard copy. Another slow news day. If I make a quilt with about my family will anyone care? Nope! Whatever! Posted by Whatever on 12/26/2008 |
