From the late 18th century through to the end of the Civil War, quilts may have held coded messages in their seams, guiding freedom-seekers on the Underground Railroad. Today, these textiles continue to narrate powerful stories, from the Watts Riot of 1965 to contemporary works by artists like Bisa Butler and Faith Ringgold.

‘Stories in the Seams: A People’s History of Black Quilts and Their Makers’, set for release on October 6, explores the centuries-old practice. Enslaved women often hand-sewed bedspreads during the American South's 18th and 19th-century cotton industry, but after Emancipation, quilting became a means to generate resources amidst uncertainty.

Richly illustrated, the book delves into societal shifts and technological advances that influenced quilt-making. It features works by the Quilters of Gee’s Bend alongside contemporary artists, expanding our understanding of this craft. With vibrant images and archival photos, it's a journey through meticulous making and innovation.