The Inclusive Journey logo is a modern take on a "quilt code" pattern used on the Underground Railroad. Networks of abolitionists would sew nuances into a variety of common quilt patterns, in order to communicate instructions and directions to those escaping to freedom. These quilts hung on clotheslines or lay on windowsills of those committed to helping slaves escape to the North. Most enslaved people escaped during the spring, and with this specific quilt code the slaves learned they were to take their direction, timing, and behavior from migrating geese. During their journey the flying geese could be used as a guide to find water, food and places to rest. A single block could be slightly altered, (for example, by having the top triangles all point upward,) to give further instruction.
At Inclusive Journeys we feel that a Code Pattern which represents safety during travel, is the perfect symbol for our work.
At Inclusive Journeys we feel that a Code Pattern which represents safety during travel, is the perfect symbol for our work.
Because the story behind this code is so meaningful to us, we commissioned expert sewer Nancy Rezac, to craft a custom "ally quilt" for us. Her work gave us a real life example we could touch and feel, in order to capture the true emotions in ways our modernized logo could never accomplish. Not only did Nancy craft this extraordinary quilt for us as instructed, but she also surprised us with four additional quilt codes, one in each corner, and wrote a piece to explain the meaning behind this specific work for us and what the additional codes meant on the Underground Railroad.
Here's Nancy in her own words:
Here's Nancy in her own words:
My Story
By Nancy Rezac
I became intrigued with fabric designs, patterns and colors at a very young age. When I was 12 years old, my mother gave me the greatest vocational gift when she taught me to sew. I have used those skills through the years to create hundreds of apparel items and over 100 quilts, wall hangings and home décor items for family and friends. In college, I pursued a degree in studio art with a concentration in textile design. And, while I did not proceed to work in the field of textile design, my love of fabrics has never waned.
I approach each project with a picture in my mind of what makes the recipient unique. When I arrive at the fabric store, one design generally jumps out at me. For quilts, I can search for up to 15-20 coordinating or complementary designs that build off of the original pattern. For the Virtual Green Book project, Crystal told me that she was looking for a “granny green” color palette! I knew just what color she was referring to, and, as always, one design presented itself as the starting point for the quilt!
The basis for the design of the logo for the Virtual Green Book is the Flying Geese pattern, which is a vintage quilt pattern that was used as a code to guide slaves to freedom in the Underground Railroad. Ironically, this was the first sampler quilt that I created over 20 years ago, so I have the book which illustrates each of the Underground Railroad quilt designs.
In the quilt I created for the Virtual Green Book, I have included four (4) additional sampler designs:
The Underground Railroad/Jacob's Ladder
The history of this pattern and its use before the 21st century is under debate. Contemporary historians rely heavily on written histories, and are often shy to include oral histories as truth. It is said that this block, which has an alternating path of dark and light, could be used to show direction on the Underground Railroad, but that there is no solid, documented evidence for it. Whether or not the information is true for this specific pattern of the Quilt Code, we may never know. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is often how histories of entire peoples are erased-- with one culture saying they can't 'verify it' while oral histories and traditions are passed down from generation to generation as gospel. This is a reminder that history belongs to those who write it, but that what is written is not necessarily the only history. After all, why would anyone document a secret code that could be the undoing of the Underground Railroad?
The history of this pattern and its use before the 21st century is under debate. Contemporary historians rely heavily on written histories, and are often shy to include oral histories as truth. It is said that this block, which has an alternating path of dark and light, could be used to show direction on the Underground Railroad, but that there is no solid, documented evidence for it. Whether or not the information is true for this specific pattern of the Quilt Code, we may never know. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is often how histories of entire peoples are erased-- with one culture saying they can't 'verify it' while oral histories and traditions are passed down from generation to generation as gospel. This is a reminder that history belongs to those who write it, but that what is written is not necessarily the only history. After all, why would anyone document a secret code that could be the undoing of the Underground Railroad?
Drunkard’s Path
This block instructed slaves to move in a staggering fashion to evade any potential slave catchers. Looping back on your own trail, zig zagging around a forest, and making random decisions such as suddenly walking through a stream were just a few of the strategies that could be used to cause someone to lose your trail. Random, unpredictable paths are more difficult to follow, and looping back over your own trail can cause dogs to be confused about which direction the scent is leading. Making an unlikely choice, such as jumping into a cold river, could throw off a slave catcher trying to use logic to guess the next move.
This block instructed slaves to move in a staggering fashion to evade any potential slave catchers. Looping back on your own trail, zig zagging around a forest, and making random decisions such as suddenly walking through a stream were just a few of the strategies that could be used to cause someone to lose your trail. Random, unpredictable paths are more difficult to follow, and looping back over your own trail can cause dogs to be confused about which direction the scent is leading. Making an unlikely choice, such as jumping into a cold river, could throw off a slave catcher trying to use logic to guess the next move.
Monkey Wrench
When this block was displayed, it indicated that any slaves planning to escape should begin gathering the tools and supplies they need for their long journey north. These supplies could include things needed to build shelters, food, and something to carry water in. In addition to physical necessities, it was also just as important to gather mental tools, and to hone up on wilderness survival skills, knowledge of safe foods that could be foraged along the way, the ability to discern the motives of strangers, and yes-- brushing up on Quilt Codes.
The pattern itself looks a bit like the silhouette of an anvil. The blacksmith on the plantation could also use a rhythmic pattern of heavy anvil strikes to communicate secret messages around the planation without arousing suspicion. If you listen to old slave songs, you sometimes hear the sound of an anvil keeping the beat. This could often be a completely separate set of "lyrics".
When this block was displayed, it indicated that any slaves planning to escape should begin gathering the tools and supplies they need for their long journey north. These supplies could include things needed to build shelters, food, and something to carry water in. In addition to physical necessities, it was also just as important to gather mental tools, and to hone up on wilderness survival skills, knowledge of safe foods that could be foraged along the way, the ability to discern the motives of strangers, and yes-- brushing up on Quilt Codes.
The pattern itself looks a bit like the silhouette of an anvil. The blacksmith on the plantation could also use a rhythmic pattern of heavy anvil strikes to communicate secret messages around the planation without arousing suspicion. If you listen to old slave songs, you sometimes hear the sound of an anvil keeping the beat. This could often be a completely separate set of "lyrics".
Bow Tie
Imagine being chased for thousands of miles through the wilderness, you're almost to freedom, you are almost safe. Just before you get to a large town or city you must pass through, you might see this quilt pattern hanging on the fence in front of a quiet abolitionist's house. This pattern indicated that one should change clothes at this point and dress in a formal manner, with a "satin bowtie". This was sometimes hung in front of a friendly church, where free Blacks, abolitionists or preachers would be able to provide clean clothes in the fashion and style of the town. Once clothed in dapper disguises, the escaping slaves could daringly walk through towns to reach ships that would provide safe passage on their final leg to freedom.
Imagine being chased for thousands of miles through the wilderness, you're almost to freedom, you are almost safe. Just before you get to a large town or city you must pass through, you might see this quilt pattern hanging on the fence in front of a quiet abolitionist's house. This pattern indicated that one should change clothes at this point and dress in a formal manner, with a "satin bowtie". This was sometimes hung in front of a friendly church, where free Blacks, abolitionists or preachers would be able to provide clean clothes in the fashion and style of the town. Once clothed in dapper disguises, the escaping slaves could daringly walk through towns to reach ships that would provide safe passage on their final leg to freedom.
I am excited about the potential for the Virtual Green Book. I fully support people of all races, color and creeds, and pledge to support your efforts in any way that I am able.
With love,
Nancy
Nancy Rezac lives in Longmont, Colorado,
and she doesn't just sew quilts!
Nancy is incredibly skilled at sewing custom clothing, wall hangings, placemats, pillow cases, hot pads, pot holders, curtains, and yes-- MASKS.
If you'd like to contact Nancy,
you can send her an email at:
[email protected]