Contemporary quilt artists trace the path of Black history in the United States with 97 original works exploring important events, places, people, and ideas over 400 years. Arranged in chronological order, quilt themes include the first enslaved people brought to the US by Dutch traders in 1619, the brave souls marching for civil rights, the ascendant influence of African American culture on the American cultural landscape, and the election of the first African American president. Other quilts commemorate and celebrate cultural milestones and memories, such as the first African American teacher, the Buffalo Soldiers, the first black man to play Othello on Broadway, Muhammed Ali, and Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The 69 artists who contributed works for this curated collection provide narrative explaining the important stories and histories behind the quilts.

A powerful way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, this book reminds us of its impact and each of its 30 principles, using intriguing art quilts. Sometimes taking us by surprise, the 75 textile artists visualize the global struggle for human rights with their interpretations of the Declaration, ratified in 1948, which represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are innately entitled. The 91 works themes include the first recorded initiation of human rights in Persia in 539 BCE, the plight of child soldiers and child brides, unlawful incarceration, the right to privacy, fair labor practices, torture, and the right of all world citizens to food, education, shelter, and healthcare. Together with the text of each Rights Declaration article, a message from the artist explains each quilts inspiration and meaning.