Jenny Pickens (left) and Fatimah’ Shabazz hold an example of a quilt Pickens made.
We can learn about the past in so many ways — through listening, reading, visiting historic sites, and even creating art!
This July, PAGE students will have a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the African American community in Madison County by making art together in the recently renovated Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School (MHARS). This will be the first time that an organized educational class has met in the building since it closed down in 1965 when racial integration was implemented in Madison County.
We are so fortunate to have the talented artist and educator Ms. Jenny Pickens leading this project. You can see Ms. Pickens on the left, holding an example of a quilt she made. She believes that art can be a powerful force of healing, connection, and creative expression. She will be teaching students how to sew by hand and how to use quilting to tell stories and preserve history.
On the right is Ms. Fatimah’ Shabazz, an alumni of MHARS, an organizer who has been working to preserve the school for many years, and the daughter of Ms. Mary Wilson, who worked as a teacher and principal of the school for 14 years. Both of these inspiring women will help guide students through an exploration of this crucial aspect of American history.
We are excited to have this group explore the past, make art, connect with each other, and honor the legacy of the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School — a local and national historic treasure!
The Partnership for Appalachian Girls’ Education (PAGE) is a non-profit creating an educational enrichment program for Appalachian girls and young women. To learn more, please visit pageprograms.com.