The Black Family Scholar

Pearl and her Gee's Bend Quilt: The importance of maintaining family legacy

Tangular Irby A 27-year veteran in the field of education, Tangular A. Irby is also the granddaughter of Gee's Bend quilters, Pearlie Kennedy Pettway and Jensie Lee Irby. Tangular Irby grew up admiring the beauty of the quilts gifted to her by family. Quilting became a way to honor the legacy of her maternal and paternal grandmothers, Gee's Bend quilters, who passed on long before their creations were recognized as more than just a means to keep their families warm. Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt is inspired by countless family conversations over the decades and the artistry of Gee’s Bend resident, quilter, and relative of the author Mary Leathea Pettway. Michelle Black-Smith Michelle Black Smith is a writer, curator, educator, and cultural historian. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History at Princeton University, and her Master’s Degree in Museum Studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Black Smith specializes in the material culture of the African Diaspora. Black Smith has acted as guest curator, lecturer or consultant to numerous museums, arts organizations and cultural and educational institutions, including but not limited to: the Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Museum, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Motown Historical Museum, and the original Black Fashion Museum in Harlem. She is a co-founder of a charter elementary school in Bridgeport, CT. Her 2020 exhibition, We Are Artists Every One: The Art Center in Action, 1970 -1986 can be viewed on the CT Digital Archive website. Book Summary Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt is a heartwarming tale told through the eyes of a child who has spent hours watching her grandmother work her magic with a needle and thread. During a playdate, Pearl reveals that she too, wants to be a Gee’s Bend quilter one day, just like her grandmother. Proving to her friends that she has what it takes to be a quilter, Pearl’s story also provides a brief history of the works of art by her ancestors that are admired around the world.

"Season your food!" Kitchen herbs as medicine with Christina Brown

Ginger is the answer to tasty food and good health. Christina Brown, a community herbalist and owner of the Ginger Tea Company, discusses the importance of everyday herbs used in our foods and their health benefits. Christina provides us with a herb more powerful than the popular, elderberry to keep our immune system healthy during flu and Covid-19 season.

"A Queen is Organized" Creative Parenting with The Black Queen Planner

Add this episode to your to-do list! With both owners, Alex & Jashelle, we will discuss everything from tips to owning a business with your spouse to how Jashelle's busy life inspired the Black Queen Planner. Each provides a unique perspective on what makes a successful family life while owning a business. Follow the @theblackqueenplanner for more product info!

"Help me Rhonda!" Creative Parenting with Rhonda Richardson-Deskins from Elle's Tale

We're back for another segment of Creative Parenting with Screenwriter and Director Rhonda Richardson- Deskins. Join us as we discuss everything from how to spot and cultivate creativity in your children and how she manages all of her hats while being a mom and full-time human services provider. We also discuss her newest short film, Elle's Tale and why she chose to tell her story.

"Shay Shay Koola": Creative Parenting Series with Shakara Zulu of Nirvana Wild Jewelry Co.

We're kicking off October with Shakara Ames, Creative Director for Nirvana Wild and my best friend of over 20 years. Aside from being a dope creator, she is also a full-time mompreneur. Journey with us as we discuss what it was like to have a childhood that fostered creativity, while translating these lessons for the next generation. To find more information about Shakara, visit @nirvanawild and @zuluisms for the latest updates.