Space and Time–Quilting Afrofuturism

From June 19-21, 2025, African American quilters will gather in Durham, NC, for Kindred Spirits: A Convergence of African Quilters.  The theme for the conference is Space and Time–Quilting Afrofuturism. This dynamic event will take place during the Juneteenth holiday and celebrate the intersection of quilting and Afrofuturism, highlighting how African American quilters imagine and create masterpieces that transcend time. For Black quilters, each stitch is an act of self-expression and empowerment, connecting the ancestral past with a visionary future. The event will provide a space for quilters to explore new creative dimensions, dream big, network, and work with instructors to construct quilts that capture the spirit of the future.  

Inspired by the cosmic philosophies of Sun Ra and the forward-thinking narratives of Octavia Butler, this event positions quilting as a bridge between the past, the future, and visual art. Sun Ra’s psychedelic sounds—rich with themes of space travel and liberation—parallels the freedom, colors and improvisation found in Black quilting. Meanwhile, Octavia Butler’s Afrofuturistic writing, with its deep exploration of Black agency and alternative futures, resonates with the way African American quilters use fabric to tell stories of survival, hope, and transcendence. Together, it is my hope that influences like these will fuel a generation of quilters who see their art as a canvas for both personal healing and collective liberation.

At the heart of Kindred Spirits is the reminder that the process of making art is as important as the art itself. For African American quilters, quilting can be a vital practice of self-care, a way to engage in healing and restoration while creating art that matters. The event will emphasize the importance of maintaining balance—allowing quilters to nurture themselves as they transform cloth into expressions of identity, culture, and futurism. Through workshops, discussions, and community building, Kindred Spirits will foster an environment where quilters can care for their spirit while crafting works that honor their history and imagine expansive futures. Get ready for some futuristic fun.