Interview with Kyra E. Hicks Reader Views welcomes Kyra E. Hicks, author of the children’s nonfiction book, "Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria." Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader views, is interviewing Kyra. Juanita: Thanks for joining us today, Kyra. We are interested to hear more about your new children’s book, Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria. Would you start by giving us an idea of the fascinating story that you tell in your book?
Juanita: Your book is based on a true story, which is fascinating in itself. How did you originally hear about Martha Ann’s story, and what inspired you to write a children’s book about her? Kyra: I first learned about Martha Ann Ricks when I research my first book, Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook. I came across a magazine article about Martha Ann. I never realized that Queen Victoria had any audience with an African American. I also became curious about why Martha Ann would spend nearly a lifetime – fifty years – pursuing her dream to meet the queen. I spent four years rediscovering the life of Martha Ann from learning what Tennessee plantation she lived on before being purchased from slavery by her father, to locating multiple obituaries when she passed away in 1901, a few months after Queen Victoria. A children’s book seemed an appropriate way to introduce this remarkable woman to a new generation. Juanita: What is the time frame of Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria? Would you describe the atmosphere in Tennessee at that time, and Liberia when Martha Ann went back home? Kyra: The book follows Martha Ann’s life as a young girl, about ten years old until her visit with Queen Victoria in 1892. Slavery was still legal in the United States and Tennessee when Martha Ann’s family moved to Liberia in 1830. Family, friends, and neighbors really did laugh at Martha Ann’s dream to meet the queen. However, news reports indicate that a marching band and crowds came out to the pier to welcome Martha Ann when she arrived back to Liberia from her visit with the queen. Some Liberians today will call someone a “Martha” if they show extraordinary determination. Juanita: That’s amazing. Kyra, you have a long history with quilting. Would you share with us your love for the craft? Kyra: Sure. I have been quilting since 1991. That year I visited a museum that had an exhibit of story quilts made by African American quilters. I was so excited to see these quilts. I knew in my heart that I also wanted to tell stories in fabric one day. I soon taught myself to quilt. As a child my mother taught me to crochet shawls, afghans, and bed jackets. However, quilting is my love. I create story quilts that include words and images. A story quilt illustrates a point visually. Think about a one-panel comic strip or the cover of a greeting card created in fabric and you have a story quilt. I quilt for personal expression and joy. Over the years my quilts have been selected for exhibits at local galleries and museums. I have also accepted commissions to create quilts for customers. My quilts have also appeared in books. In fact, one quilt will be featured in the art book, Textural Rhythms: Quilting a Jazz Tradition (2007). Juanita: It may surprise many people to hear that there is a deep history of quilting in Africa. Would you comment on similarities between American and Liberian quilting, and then some of the history and unique aspects of Liberian quilting? Kyra: One of the under-researched areas in textile arts and American quilt history is the examination of Liberian quiltmaking. Remember thousands and thousands of nineteen century African Americans emigrated to Liberia from the United States. Those who sewed and quilted continued with their quilting traditions learned here in America. Many of the Liberian-made quilts I’ve seen are beautiful appliquéd creations. Appliqué is when one sews fabric onto of fabric instead of side by side. One common wedding gift in Liberia, at least before the Liberian civil war, was the gift of an appliquéd quilt. There are Liberian quilts in the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. Juanita: So the African Americans that went back home to Liberia took the tradition of American quilting with them, and developed there own style that has now become known as Liberian quilting? Was this the first indication of quilting in this particular African country? Kyra: In nineteenth century Liberia, there were at least sixteen indigenous tribes, including the Dan, Glebo, Mende, and Vai, with their own rich textile traditions. I have not studied these traditions to know if they also quilted. Juanita: What did Queen Victoria mean to people in Africa? Kyra: I can’t speak to the broad continent of Africa. For some in Liberia, there were certainly positive feelings for Queen Victoria and Britain. The British government was the first to recognize Liberia as an independent country in 1848; one year after Liberia declared itself an independent country. The United States did not recognize Liberia’s independence until 1862. Juanita: How do you introduce the deep subject of slavery in a context that children can understand? Kyra: American slavery is a complex topic for adults and children. I assumed that a child reading Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria would have a basic knowledge for what slavery is. As a result, I have tried to place the concept of slavery in a context that today’s children can hopefully relate to – access to education. In this book Martha Ann is prohibited from attending school while she is a slave. She does not have access to educational resources today’s children may take for granted. I have heard from a couple parents who have read Martha Ann’s story with their children that the story provides a way for the family to talk about slavery. Juanita: Kyra, there are deeper themes of perseverance, pursing your dreams, and others that you weave into your storytelling. Would you comment on the underlying messages of the story? Kyra: You have captured the major themes. The only one I would add is the actions one needs to take to pursue one’s dream. In the book, the old, red tin box symbolizes the continued actions and faith one needs to take over time to achieve a dream. Martha Ann demonstrates her perseverance by dropping those spare coins into the old, red tin box. Martha Ann’s story illustrates that one can dream large and take actions to pursue the dream, even if it takes years. Martha Ann’s father took ten years to save the money to purchase his family from slavery. Martha Ann took fifty years to achieve her dream. Both kept faith. Juanita: Your book follows Martha Ann throughout her life until the fateful day when she gets to meet the Queen. What did the quilt and quilting represent for Martha Ann, and her life journey? Kyra: Martha Ann was an expert seamstress. In my research I discovered other examples of her exceptional sewing skills. Her creations were eventually displayed in at least three different countries: Liberia, England, and the United States. In an interview from 1892, Martha Ann said that as a sign of good manners, one took a gift when visiting a neighbor. So, she had to have an exceptional gift when visiting a queen. The quilt she made captured the coffee trees in full bloom that grew on Martha Ann’s farm in Clay-Ashland, Liberia. Juanita: Why do you think this particular story will be a powerful one for children? Kyra: I hope that children reading Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria will be inspired to dream BIG and feel confident that they can achieve their dreams with diligence and faith. Juanita: What is the target age range for your book? Kyra: Seven to ten years old. Juanita: How can readers find out more about you and your book? Kyra: I invite readers to visit me at my website, www.BlackThreads.com. I love hearing from those who have read the book. There is also information on how to obtain an autographed copy of Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria on the site, too. Juanita: Kyra, we have certainly enjoyed talking with you today. Your wonderful children’s book, Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria, is an enjoyable, inspiring and educational read for children. Kyra: Thank you. Read Review of Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria |
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