“Better than you, since 1902”

I made a tee shirt quilt.

It was a commission, for which I charged a flat hourly rate.

I didn’t consider it art.

A grandmother was having it made for her granddaughter, a sorority girl.

All of the tee shirts were Greek — “good times” radiated from the fabric..

My own memories flooded back to me.

The year was 1966.

I was recruited to a sorority by a kind, studious girl from my hometown.

At first I was glad to belong.

But the next year a beautiful Black girl tested the waters and wanted to pledge.

The chapter was interested, at first.

But National intervened.

I protested to my president.

She said there was nothing she could do.

I must meet with a National Representative.

I made the appointment. I prepared myself.

I thought I could change things.

My arguments were sound.

Times were changing, the Black girl was perfect.

I was a member in good standing. Didn’t my opinion count?

No, it did not.

I said “I resign.”

She said, you can’t. You pledged for life.

I did?

You can become inactive.

I did so. But that was lame.

I felt dirty. Ashamed.

That sorority pin stayed in the bottom of my drawer for years.

Until I finally threw it out.

Detail of Tee Shirt Quilt.