Our Supporters

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives – The Freedom Quilting Bee is a founding member of The Federation. The Legacy rekindled the relationship in 2020 as it began the task of revitalizing the FQB. The Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon those who embody dedication to the advancement of their community and epitomizes the true spirit of community and cooperation.

Alabama State Association of Cooperatives – The Legacy is an affiliated member of ASAC. We have been supported by the State Association in important ways over many years. While the FQB lay dormant, ASAC served as default custodian of its assets. The organization made sure the taxes were paid and the building did not fall too far into disrepair. We have rekindled this community partner relationship and is vital to our progress and success. This website development is funded in part by a grant from ASAC for which we are grateful.

Souls Grown Deep Foundation – has been the primary benefactor of the revitalization work of The Legacy. Souls has provided to The Legacy seed funding to establish its operations and to make its first appearance at the 55th Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in 2020. Its commitment to Wilcox County is also seen through establishment of the Community Resource Center which offers computers and internet access, voter registration, Census 2020 completion, support and outreach and funding and a web-enabled sales platform in partnership with Etsy through which Gee’s Bend and Alberta quilt makers can market and sell their quilt products.

Kim V. Kelly – Events Coordinator & Consultant to the Board of Directors – Her ancestral roots are in Wilcox County, AL. Her great grandmother (Lizzie Etheridge), grandparents (Tom & Mary Alice Kelly), father (Tommie B. Kelly) and uncle (Tom Kelly, Jr.) are laid to rest at Salem Baptist Church. She has fond childhood memories of visiting her grandparents on their farm in Catherine. She returned in 2016, initially to check on the property in Catherine she inherited in 1985. While in Alabama she reconnected to the stories, the people, the history and the land. Seeing all of this through the eyes of an adult, a passion was kindled to serve the community as a way to repay and honor the ancestors on whose shoulders she now stands. As a community volunteer, Kim draws on her education and professional experience in the business, legal and judicial communities to provide consultation and assistance to the FQB revitalization efforts.

Alabama State Council on the Arts – The Council awarded The Legacy a $35,000 Facilities Design grant for the Adaptive Re-use of the original Freedom Quilting Bee building. View press release >

Alabama Historical Commission – The Commission awarded The Legacy $22,897 for water intrusion abatement efforts at the original Freedom Quilting Bee building. View press release >

Black Belt Community Foundation – The Foundation was the first Alabama grant The Legacy received. The $3000 programming grant with a $3000 match allows us to provide an all expenses paid 3-part Tours of Museums Day Trip Series for members of our community. See 2023 Museum Tours >

The Daniel Foundation – Awarded $90,000 for renovations to the Freedom Quilting Bee building. The award is $30,000 per year for three years. The Legacy will use the funds as a starting point to rehabilitate and reroof deteriorated space originally used as the daycare center for worker’s children. The area will become a quilt workshop space and learning center. View Press Release >