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Published on February 11, 2025
Milwaukee City Hall Celebrates Black History Month with Master Quilters Ethel White and Dianne Pratt's ExhibitionSource: Google Street View

In celebration of Black History Month, City Hall's rotunda has become a canvas of cultural expression, showcasing quilt banners by local master quilters Ethel White and Dianne Pratt. The display, an homage to African and African-American history and culture, includes a collection of over 200 quilts, available for public viewing through the end of February, as reported by the City of Milwaukee.

The long-standing tradition of featuring Ethel White's quilts at City Hall during Black History Month continues, this time in a collaborative spirit alongside Dianne Pratt. Pratt, who has significantly contributed to Milwaukee's community as a librarian and storyteller, has also been recognized for her role in engaging children with arts and crafts, and for her acclaimed quilting skills. An interesting facet of this year's display is the inclusion of quilts by Gloria World and Betty Nevels, members of the Jasper Wade Quilting Group from the Historic Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, according to a recent press release from the City of Milwaukee.

Local political figures are among those celebrating the quilt display, hailing its educational and cultural significance. "Art has the power to tell us a story in a way that words cannot. It is important for us to recognize the struggles and achievements of this community, especially during Black History Month," expressed members of the African American Council, emphasizing the importance of such art in storytelling and remembrance, as stated by the City of Milwaukee.