Hidden in Plain View

In "Ozella's Underground Railroad Quilt Code," author Jacqueline Tobin recounts her captivating journey alongside African American quilter Ozella McDaniel Williams, who shares a generational tale of coded messages hidden within quilts. These seemingly simple patterns are revealed to be intricate guides used by slaves navigating their escape via the Underground Railroad, steeped in African textile traditions. Over three years, as their friendship deepens, Tobin collaborates with art historian Raymond Dobard to uncover the historical significance of these quilt patterns, demonstrating how they served as vital tools for freedom.