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Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela

In 2013 the world mourned the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, one of its most revered champions of human rights. Mandela provided a moral compass for how we treat each other, how we lead our own lives, and how we need to continue to strive for a just, fair, non-racial, and democratic society. Artists around the world have long made quilts in tribute to Mandela and in support and advocacy for the principles to which he was devoted. But it was for South Africans and African Americans that making quilts in tribute to Mandela has had special meaning. This exhibition, featuring quilts made in 2013 and 2014, was developed by the Michigan State University Museum and the Women of Color Quilters Network in association with quilt artists across South Africa. These diverse and often powerful pieces reflect the ways in which this remarkable man touched individual lives, changed a nation, and literally served as the conscience of the human spirit for individuals around the world.

- Marsha MacDowell, Ph.D., Professor and Curator, Michigan State University Museum and Director, The Quilt Index
- Caroly Mazloomi, Ph.D., Independent Scholar and Founding Director, Women of Color Quilters Network

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