The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music

In the setting of the historic Carver Center in San Antonio, Texas, aunt and niece explore the history of African American music. Aunt Cynthia, a music history buff, teaches her niece Lauren about music genres born and formed by African American history and culture. They cover music during the times of slavery, Negro Spirituals, Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, Harlem Renaissance, Gospel, Civil Rights movement, Soul and R&B, and Hip Hop. Aunt Cynthia inspires Lauren’s curiosity about history by making it relevant to music. She uses the layers of a quilt to explain how African American music of the past connects to contemporary music. Lauren feels empowered by making the music cultural connection throughout generations. This educational documentary for children is produced by Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW), a performing arts nonprofit in San Antonio, TX.