New Pittsburgh Courier
LIFESTYLES
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releases B7
celebrates Rev. Barbara Gunn B2
Mt. Carmel
JUNE 3-9, 2015
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report Sidebar to the Charms Last year Pittsburgh Charms President Harriette Meriwether made a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. This was not your typical trip. Meriwether, along with three other local artists, were among 43 quilters who paid tribute in textiles to Nelson Mandela during a quilt exhibition at the International Quilt Convention Africa, July 24- 26, 2014. The four artists from Pittsburgh who created a quilt for the exhibition included Mayota Hill, Meriwether, Elmira Sizemore and Pamela George-Valone. The exhibition featured a total of 81 quilts created by artist from the Women of Color Quilters Network organization based in the United States, and quilting artist from South Africa, who came together to share their quilts in the exhibition, “Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela.” Artists from around the world have long made quilts in tribute to those like Mandela, in support of the principles they stand for. So, when the planners of this exhibition said, “it was the South Africans and African Americans that made quilts in tribute to Mandela have special meaning,” it was true. Each expressed their delight in having this opportunity to showcase their work, share techniques, exchange contact information and be involved in similar future endeavors. These diverse and powerful pieces reflect the way in which this remarkable man touched individual lives; how he changed the way a nation interacts with it’s people; and how he touched the conscience of many, throughout the world. The exhibition is said to be one of the largest of its kind anywhere, and brings together many talented and inspirational artist from around the universe. Over 70 individuals (quilters, family and friends) from the United States traveled to South Africa to see the exhibition and tour many sites that included the home where Mandela grew-up, the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hall, The Nelson Mandela Museum, Robben Island Prison, an African Safari, Cape Town, and much, much more. Those who traveled to South Africa from Pittsburgh included June Green, Marlene GaryHogan, Charlese McKinney, Helen Anderson, Charles and Cynthia Franklin, and Harriette A. Meriwether. A publication with the title listed above, also accompanies the exhibition that is sponsored by Michigan State University Museum, under the direction of professor Marsha MacDowell, PhD, and researcher, historian and founding director of WCQN, Carolyn Mazloomi, PhD. The 51 quilts made by the U.S. quilt artists are now featured in a traveling exhibition. These diverse and powerful pieces can now be seen by many in this country. Below is the schedule, at this time, for the display. Both of these locations are just a road trip away and you now have plenty of notice to put this in your travel plans. •The Kentucky Museum, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Ky. Sept. 8–Jan. 31, 2016; and •National Afro American Museum and Cultural Center, Wilberforce, Ohio April 7–Oct. 7, 2016.
CHARMS—Nancy Connor and Harriette Meriwether, Pittsburgh Charms president.
CHARMERS—Harry Lee Sr. and Harry Lee Jr.
CHARMS—Jacqueline Williams and Allison Lee Mann
Charms hold Sixth Annual Soul Line Dance Luncheon by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
One of the most popular modes of dancing is line dancing and for six years in a row, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Charms Inc. have held their Annual Soul Line Dance Luncheon. On May 9, at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg, the Charms, friends and a few Charmers enjoyed a tasty lunch and an afternoon of line dancing with line dance instructor extraordinaire Stella Hopewell, who made the steps easy to follow. Latoya Carter and her 80-year-old aunt, Lexine Dent, even joined the group. It appeared that Dent was showing her young niece what to do. During the luncheon, two ladies recognized each other from many years ago. Thirty years ago Josie Wright and Leegrace Jones went to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania together. They had not seen each other since that time and they ran into each other at the luncheon. They have vowed to stay in touch. Music was provided by Alonzo-Big Daddy
LINE DANCERS
Entertainment. LaVera Edwards Hord organized the Charms in 1950 and the majority of the group was new brides and young mothers because they generally gathered late in the evening; they called t h e m s e l v e s FRIENDSHIP REUNION—Josie Wright and Leethe Mid- grace Jones nighters. They became the Squaws in the ’60s and were a very popular social group. In 1997, they officially became the Charms. There are more than a dozen chapters of the Charms in the United States. The proceeds of the luncheon are used to recognize the dedication of community service organiJUST FOLLOW ME—Latoya Carter follows her aunt, Lexine Dent zations. CHARMS SUPPORTERS—Roxanne Jones, Diana Moore and Felicia Lane Savage
HOPEWELL LEADS THE WAY—Dressed in black and white stripes. (Photos by Debbie Norrell)