Intern Returns to Share Research through Quilt Campaign

It has been a busy weekend for the Quilt Family! One of our distance relatives, Sam Chillaron of New College in Sarasota, returned to Apopka to share his thesis research with the Rollins College community and his Apopka friends. 

His research, entitled "Toxic Entanglements: Florida's Farmworkers and their Fight for Environmental Justice," discusses the history of the farms on Lake Apopka and the environmental, political, and health impacts pesticide exposure had on farmworkers. Prior to his arrival, the Olin Library at Rollins also featured the quilts as a week-long display, also promoting farmworker justice books, articles, and memorabilia, arranged by the Rollins College YAYA chapter (National Farmworker Ministry's Youth and Young Adults group). 

Linda Lee and Sarah Downs, primary quilt makers, along with Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association were also invited by Senator Siplin to speak to the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday after briefly meeting at a Community Hearing hosted by the Farmworker Association! Pictured above is Linda Lee standing before members of the Florida Senate.

The event was couched in the broader Quilt Fundraising Campaign that will define the life of the quilts for the next several months. In order to continue telling stories like that of Sam's research, the Quilt Project needs the help of it's supporters. Please help us to continue this unique and engaging memorial initiative by supporting the Project through whatever means you have - your dollar will go a long way with the Farmworker Association of Florida.