Quilting is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, blending tradition with modern artistic expression. The creative process sews together multiple layers of fabric, typically three – a top, batting and backing – to achieve a desired decorative textile. While quilting is a beloved practice with roots in many cultures, Indianapolis-based quilter Tony Jean Dickerson, who has a doctorate in education, says the craft holds significant importance within African American history.
In 2018, Dickerson helped found the Akoma Ntoso Modern Quilt Guild of Central Indiana (ANMQG), empowering Hoosiers to embrace the longstanding medium. “Akoma Ntoso” derives from the Akan language of West Africa, meaning “linked hearts and understanding.” Dickerson says the namesake embodies the guild’s mission to connect and unite people through the skillful art of quilting.
“The name intends to convey that, as a founding member, I’m seeking spiritual partners in this intentional journey of quilting,” says Dickerson, who maintains her professional position as dean of the school of education at Martin University, in addition to serving as the ANMQG president.
Dickerson only began quilting about a decade ago. She believes the timing to champion this enduring craft is fitting because it can be difficult for adult women to make new friendships. The quilting guild provides an outlet for women to craft beautiful works of art and friendships.
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A Stitch in Time
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or picking up a needle for the first time, this small but mighty guild offers a welcoming space for women of all ages. Members support each other – not just in their craft, but in life – forging bonds that extend beyond the sewing table. The guild uniquely fosters intergenerational ties, ensuring the wisdom of experienced quilters is passed down through generations.
In addition to offering warmth, quilts are multipurpose creations that can tell stories, express identity and record historical events. The members of Whether made individually or collectively, each quilt created within Akoma Ntoso Modern Quilt Guild holds deep meaning. continue this legacy of quilt making, crafting masterpieces that celebrate resilience. In fact, Dickerson and fellow ANMQG member Montika Allen-Atkinson contributed to a quilt on display at The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Maryland.
Indiana members, including Dianne Bayless and Verna Moore, make an array of quilts and other patchwork items.
Whether made individually or collectively, each quilt created within ANMQG holds deep meaning. Some pieces honor Black leaders and cultural icons, while others depict everyday moments of joy, family and tradition. Others take a more activist approach, using bold colors and striking designs to highlight social justice issues.
When displayed in cultural centers, museums, libraries, churches and other public spaces, these quilts do much more than decorate; they inform and inspire. The quilts invite conversation, reflection and connection, drawing people into the stories they convey. The work of ANMQG serves as a bridge between generations and cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of the African American experience and humankind in general.
The ANMQG proves quilting design can be a powerful tool for change, healing, celebration, learning and so on. The act of quilting is a meditative process, allowing artists of all abilities to process emotions, observe triumphs and honor struggles with every stitch.
Through their work, ANMQG members are not only preserving the past but, thanks to heartfelt mentorship, also shaping the future in a truly beautiful way. For example, ANMQG-made quilts can be perceived as love letters to members’ ancestors, tributes to the community and sources of encouragement for those who see and uniquely interpret them.
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Threads of Truth
The guild has worked on many meaningful quilts highlighting social justice topics, including works honoring Tarana Burke with the Me Too Movement, George Floyd and police brutality issues, and Madam C.J. Walker showcasing female entrepreneurship. Aside from social justice themes, charitable quilts hold a special place within the guild.
“The Alzheimer’s quilts stand out to me because they’re a group effort,” Dickerson says. “I love that our members come together, combining small pieces of purple fabric scraps to create something bigger than ourselves – a purposeful collaboration for the greater good.”
ANMQG has raffled off a purple quilt each year since 2020 in order to raise funds for Alzheimer’s awareness and research.
Aside from quilts, ANMQG has branched out to create aprons, bags, coasters, table runners and other goods. ANMQG is always open to new members, supporters and those who simply want to dabble in quilting while building bonds.
To learn more about the Akoma Ntoso Modern Quilt Guild of Central Indiana, visit akomantosoin.com.
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