Mission

We seek to promote the work and accomplishments of African American quilters, and to preserve the tradition, culture and history of quilting. The guild will share this rich legacy with others by sponsoring workshops and exhibits.

History

The word uhuru is Swahili for "freedom". Uhuru's first meeting was held the third Saturday in March 1994 at the Oxon Hill Library in Oxon Hill, MD. A brief notice in the Quilters Newsletter Magazine prompted Carol Williams to write to Barbara Pietila, founder of the National Association of African American Quilters (now defunct, but there is a revival attempt in progress), in Baltimore, MD. As a member of NAAAQ, an invitation to other NAAAQ members to form a chapter in the Washington, DC area was extended. Uhuru is the result of that invitation.

The founding members were Carol Williams, Constance Tucker, Bennie Mann, Melody Boyd, Cynthia Catlin, Jeanette Cumberbatch, Barbara Brown, Paula Sherman, Marie Banks, Jennifer Morris, and Mazie Hines.

2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD 

Officers
Coordinator  - Azalia Butler
Assistant Coordinator - ​Janevie Brooks
Secretary  - Patricia McInnis
Treasurer  - Deborah Stafford

​Committee Chairs 
Block of the Month         Deborah Stafford
Challenge                       Deb Sanger
Charm Squares              Charley Fogg
Community Service       
Door Prizes                    Cynthia King
Education/Workshops    Rose Swain
Exhibits                          Janevie Brooks
History                            Carol Williams
Hospitality                      Judy Rogers
Membership                   Carol Williams 
                                       Sarita Brewer
Raffle Quilt                     Janice Reece
Retreat                           Renea Bailey
Website/Social Media    Cornelia Carter-Sykes 
​                                       Betty Phillips 
                                       Carol Williams