In honor of Black History Month and National Embroidery Month, we’re honoring three remarkable examples of embroidery by Black artists and communities: the Mapula Embroidery Project, contemporary artist Ruth Miller’s narrative stitching, and Ashley’s Sack—an embroidered cotton sack that carries a deeply moving story of slavery, memory, and family.
Mapula Embroidery Project
The Mapula Embroidery Project is a collective of South African women using bold, colorful embroidery to share their stories, preserve cultural traditions, and create sustainable income. This work is especially meaningful to Sue, who is originally from South Africa and cares deeply about the people and creative heritage behind projects like Mapula.
Shop & Support the Mapula Embroidery Project
Embroidery Artist Ruth Miller
Learn More about Ruth Miller
Ashley's Sack
Ashley’s Sack is a simple cotton sack made extraordinary by love and remembrance. Embroidered by a granddaughter in 1921, it carries a powerful story of family, survival, and enduring connection in the face of slavery.
For a Deeper Dive into Ashley's Sack
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