3rd Wednesday Speaker Series: AIDS Memorial Quilt: Reflection, Conversation & Exhibition

Mizell’s Center’s 3^rd Wednesday Speaker Series invites you to reflect upon the AIDS Memorial Quilt.  Conceived in November 1985, by AIDS activist Cleve Jones, the Quilt was founded to create a memorial to celebrate the lives of people who died from AIDS-related causes. Today, the Quilt makes space to celebrate the lives of longterm HIV/AIDS survivors.

GUEST TBD will be joined in conversation with Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of HIV+ Aging Research Project-Palm Springs.  GUEST TBD and Mr. Taylor will reflect on the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. They will explore the origins and evolution of the Quilt. The Quilt serves as a memorial to lives lost and simultaneously remains a resounding symbol of LGBT activism, perseverance and quest for social justice. Given its dualities, what does it mean, then, to commemorate a memorial?

The goal is to have local non-profits produce an AIDS Memorial Quilt. Each quilt is 12 feet by 12 feet.  Each quilt is made up of panels that are 3ft by 3ft or 3ft by 6ft.  The panels are sewn together to become a 12 ft by12ft quilt.  I’m encouraging participating organizations to design a quilt that prominently displays the organization’s name as the centerpiece of the quilt. Participating quilt producing organizations include; Mizell Center, LGBT Center of the Desert, Coachella Valley Quilt Guild and PSGMC.  Other’s will be invited.

5:30PM            Reception

6:00PM            Program

Mizell Center’s 3^rd Wednesday Speaker Series presents noted speakers in the arts, academia, music, politics and culture. Launched in September 2021, the series showcases cultural programming that engages diverse audiences. Programs are often produced in collaboration with other community based non-profit organizations.

Panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be exhibited at Mizell Center Wednesday, November 15^th  and on the following dates:

• Friday, November 17^th                     3 PM – 7:30 P
• Saturday, November 18^th              10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Sunday, November 19^th                 10:00 AM - 3:00PM