Tim Alexander and Nadia Kanhai, co-chairs of CCORR, presenting the quilt the Conference with Bishop Schwerin

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, a vibrant symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride was unveiled: the Arts & Culture Quilt, presented by the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force.  

This remarkable quilted wall hanging is the culmination of many individuals using fabric as an art form to explore the diversity that shapes our communities and reflects our shared commitment to racial justice.  

Tim Alexander and Nadia Kanhai, co-chairs of the Conference Commission on Religion and Race, presented the quilt on June 11 to Bishop Dan Schwerin, asking that it be displayed at the conference office in Chicago.  

The quilt was part of the Arts and Culture Series launched by the Task Force in 2024 to highlight the artistic expressions of various ethnicities through film, presentation, and art. To accompany the events, the ARTF asked churches and individuals to submit individual quilt squares that reflected their culture, congregation, or personal story. It was an invitation to reflect on their heritage, faith, and the call to equity.  

Quilts have played a significant role in American history and culture for centuries. The submissions for this project were as unique as their creators; many incorporated meaningful phrases, song lyrics, or symbols connected to racial justice and unity. Each piece told a story, celebrating the richness of our diverse communities while also affirming our collective responsibility to challenge racism and inequality.  

Each square was a mini-quilt with a label on the back denoting their name and church. The final quilt was assembled by Ida Van Boven, the quilting coordinator from First United Methodist Church in Elmhurst. She added the finishing touches—sashing, borders, binding, and a hanging pocket—transforming the individual contributions into a single, beautiful expression of hope and solidarity.  

"Since 2024 was the end of the Anti-Racism Task Force in the conference, it is fitting that the final work of the group be a symbol of the diversity and talent we find throughout the conference,” said task-force member Tim Alexander. “While the Anti-Racism Task Force may have ended, the work of anti-racism will continue through the Conference Commission on Religion and Race. We look forward to new opportunities to share our work in the coming years. A special thanks to all the quilters and especially Ida Van Boden, who took the project under her wings and created the final gift we were happy to share with the conference."  

It stands not only as a work of art but as a lasting reminder of our connection through culture and shared purpose.  

Accompanying the quilt is a book of photographs of each square along with the stories submitted by the quilters.

View and download the booklet

Watch the Quilt Presentation