By Carolyn Warfield
Great Lakes African American Quilters Network
LANSING, MI — Helping people hold on to hope: Death does not sever a person’s connection with their family. Death is regarded as a transition where one proceeds from the present life to another world. Collaboration between the Safe Miles for Jasmine Committee, a conceptual artist, quilt shop owner and quilting group raise the awareness of pedestrian safety concerns of children in Lansing.
To honor the victims and aid healing of Michigan’s pedestrian fatalities, which include children, up from 923 since 2005, Lansing Sisters in Stitches launched a commemorative fundraising signature block project at their first sewing recognition program by asking local residents to sign quilt block as advocates of pedestrian safety.
Over fifty blocks comprise a quilt of condolence for grieving families signed by Detroit and Lansing residents. The quilt is part of the “State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People” symposium on September 6, at Bethlehem Temple, 1518 Washington Avenue. Claudia Hudson, the quilt project chairperson thinks pedestrian safety is an environmental issue that requires accountability. “One thing that makes us human is our power to choose how we act,” she said. “Children have the same human right as adults to be safe on our streets.”
The ludicrous ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court earlier this year that the City of Lansing does not have to keep its sidewalks clear after winter snowstorms was another blow to undermine the Wright family. Such a law would never apply to local homeowners who can be fined and sued for snow packed sidewalks after winter snowstorms. Chantell and LaQuata were struck by an alcoholic motorist in 2005.
God uses people to bless others:
An example of inspiration and healing from Missouri is a good lesson in human behavior for the Lansing community.
Literacy was what 68 year-old Alfred William needed as he walked a friend’s child to and from her first grade room every day. Foremost in Alfred’s mind was the child’s safety! Ultimately his act of kindness placed him in a position to be tutored and learn to read.
My Brother’s Keeper: The Sleeping Bag Project for the homeless began in 1985 by the Wheatley family of Pennsylvania. The project made its mid-Michigan debut during the Quilts and Human Rights exhibition at Michigan State University in January, with informal workshops at the Great Lakes Folk Festival in August. To keep this project going
I am seeking local quilt groups with charity interests to collaborate with to sew more of these sleeping bags so our most vulnerable residents can get through the winter.
The City of Lansing funds several homeless shelters and would be happy to receive them. Please contact me at: warfieldcarolyn@hotmail.com for details.
