The term Collective Liberation was brought into the greater consciousness by Combahee River Collective Statement, a collective of Black feminists active in the 1970s. They made a statement that brought us the idea of intersectionality, recognizing that none of us can be free until all of us free. As there are multiple oppressions that intertwine, we cannot view one oppression on it’s own, but must recognize how they influence and allow for each other.
“The most general statement of our politics at the present time would be that we are actively committed to struggling against racial, sexual, heterosexual, and class oppression, and see as our particular task the development of integrated analysis and practice based upon the fact that the major systems of oppression are interlocking. The synthesis of these oppressions creates the conditions of our lives…We realize that the only people who care enough about us to work consistently for our liberation are us. Our politics evolve from a healthy love for ourselves, our sisters and our community which allows us to continue our struggle and work.” – from the Combahee River Collective Statement
In early Spring 2025, ten people gathered together to explore what Collective Liberation means and how they could create together around this theme. Through readings, grounding experiences, creative conversation and collaboration, the group created a quilt together, on display September 2025.
The quilt will be joined with works by other artists also exploring Collective Liberation. “I embroidered on a shirt, a living work sharing that we must “wear” our liberatory practices”, says Jenny Santa Maria of Flame Tip Studio, an arts instructor well known for her pysanky and batik egg workshops.
Reception: September 13 from 4 - 6pm
Flemington DIY
26 Stangl Road
Flemington NJ 08822
United States