About Us
About:
The people of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, are direct descendants of the enslaved people who worked the cotton plantation established in 1816 by Joseph Gee. Post Civil War, their ancestors remained on the plantation and worked as sharecroppers.
During the 1930s, the price of cotton fell and the community faced ruin. The Federal Government purchased 10,000 acres of the former plantation as part of Depression-era intervention. They provided loans to enable the residents to obtain and farm the land worked by their ancestors.
As the residents of other tenant communities were forced to move due to economic downturns or evictions prompted by retaliation for their efforts to achieve civil rights—the people of the Bend retained their land and homes. Cultural traditions like quilt-making were maintained and encouraged in the community of Gee’s Bend.
Most Gee’s Bend residents didn’t participate in The Great Migration from the rural South to the cities of the North, Midwest, and West between roughly 1916 to 1970. By remaining in Alabama, most also weren’t afforded the opportunity to participate in the blooming American middle class. They experienced a form of isolation from the spring of opportunity that artists in the global art market recognize today.
After Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit in the 1960s, community members became active in the Civil Rights Movement, even later offering their horses to pull the casket of the Civil Rights icon post his assassination.
They began ferrying to the county seat at Camden to register to vote. Authorities reacted by eliminating the ferry service altogether, effectively isolating the community from basic services. During this period, the local women came together to found the Freedom Quilting Bee, a workers cooperative that provided much-needed economic opportunity and political empowerment.
Throughout this time, and until the present-day, the settlement’s unique patchwork quilting tradition that began in the 19th century endured. Hailed by the New York Times as “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced,” Gee’s Bend quilts constitute a crucial chapter in the history of American art and today are in the permanent collections of over 30 leading art museums.
Our founder, Lauren Koulesser, is the great granddaughter of Clementine Kennedy whose work can be found here.
For more information on the people of Gee’s Bend, check out the work of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation which has dedicated so much time to preserving the legacy of the people of Gee’s Bend.
Mission:
In a world where the ephemeral often overshadows the enduring, we find solace in the artistry that transcends time. A celebration of cultural identity woven into the very fabric of our existence. Innovation, when harmoniously intertwined with tradition, breathes new life into age-old practices. The delicate interplay of craftsmanship and evolution beckons us to explore the depths of our heritage, allowing the past to lead the way as we forge a path toward a future rich with meaning and purpose. Together, we can cultivate a world that values the intricate dance between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the artistry of today becomes the cherished heritage of tomorrow.
Each creation, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, embodies a narrative steeped in historical presence, echoing the whispers of generations who have come before us. This artistry is not merely a reflection of skill; it is a profound expression of identity, a testament to the values and stories that shape our communities. As we embrace these artisan-quality products, we honor the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, ensuring that their wisdom and passion are not lost to the sands of time. Let us celebrate the artisans who pour their hearts into every creation, ensuring that their stories continue to resonate through the ages. At Haban's Closet, we aim to empower and uplift heritage-bearers. Across time and space, identity endures. Keeping cultures intact and preserved is our top priority!