A few weeks ago, I volunteered do more stitching for the Social Justice Sewing Academy, this time for their remembrance projects for victims of violence and their families. When I signed up, the projects were just being formed, I really thought I was signing up to work on a lap quilt of a victim's clothing for their family. Something cozy and comforting, but said I was willing to do whatever I could within my skill set.
On Saturday a request to make a square in honor of Michael Brown came. Michael was shot to death by a police officer in Ferguson, MO, he was just eighteen. Upon reading the email, I was overcome, overwhelmed, and sure that I couldn't do it. Also, on instagram, I had seen the first finished square for this project. It was beautiful and expertly created- a photograph in cloth. I really couldn't do that. I replied that while I felt humble and grateful for the opportunity to participate, I was not sure I had the skills required to do Michael or the project justice.
While waiting for the reply (which was lovely and encouraging), I began reading everything I could find about Michael. At first, I was done in by stories of the shooting, but then found this NYT article and a few others that shared more about Michael's story.
What I kept coming back to is that he was just a kid. Born two years before Blue. Like Blue, Michael was born in May, was 6' 4", loved video games, music and hanging out with friends. He had just graduated from high school, with plans to start college in a few weeks.
Earlier that summer he had called his dad and stepmom in the middle of the night to describe the after-storm clouds that he was looking at. He said that he saw an angel in them, being chased by Satan and running into the face of God. "Now I believe." he told them.
So, with a mama's heart, I've started a square for Michael, and will try to hold all of this.
Michael Brown was just a kid, who had hopes and an openness to wonders in this world.
