SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
GEE’S BEND, Ala. — A historic community rooted in artistic excellence and cultural resilience is gaining global recognition once again — this time with the backing of one of the world’s biggest brands.
The fourth annual Airing of the Quilts Festival in Gee’s Bend, scheduled for October 4, has secured a major corporate partner: adidas. The global sportswear brand will serve as the presenting sponsor of the beloved Southern festival, which celebrates the community’s internationally acclaimed quilting legacy.
Located in Boykin, Alabama, Gee’s Bend is a small, rural community known for its vibrant, hand-sewn quilts, a craft passed down through generations of Black women who descended from enslaved people once held on nearby plantations. Their striking, improvisational quilt designs have been displayed in major museums across the U.S., from the Whitney to the Smithsonian.
“We are excited to welcome adidas as the presenting sponsor for the 2025 Airing of the Quilts Festival,” said Kim V. Kelly, executive director of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy. “adidas’ commitment to empowering communities through creativity and collaboration aligns perfectly with the festival’s mission.”
The annual event features quilt displays and sales, workshops, guided tours, live music, local cuisine, and educational opportunities that trace the powerful story of Gee’s Bend — from antebellum oppression and civil rights activism to international artistic recognition.
Named earlier this year as an “Alabama Bucket List Experience” by Garden & Gun magazine, the festival not only preserves the rich heritage of Gee’s Bend but also supports local economic development through tourism and artisan sales.
The 2025 event will be held at the Gee’s Bend Welcome Center in Boykin. With adidas now elevating the festival’s platform, organizers hope this year’s celebration will draw even more visitors to experience the artistry and soul of this historic community.
For more details, visit the Airing of the Quilts Festival website.