New York City Council unveils legacy quilt honoring African American contributions to American cuisine

Deputy Speaker Natasha Williams and Council Speaker Julie Menon joined representatives of the Museum of Food and Drink and Harlem Needle Arts at New York City Hall to unveil a “legacy quilt” organizers said highlights African American contributions to American foodways.

"Food and meals are not merely nourishment...They are the substance of resolution, a time to bridge boundaries," Council Speaker Julie Menon said, calling the quilt “a spirit of inclusivity, of generosity, and of connection.” She named historical figures highlighted on the quilt, including Agnes Moody, Edna Lewis, Joe Randall and Masha Mah Bailey, and said the display helps correct missing histories in the story of American cuisine.

Nasley, introduced by the deputy speaker as executive director of the Museum of Food and Drink, said the quilt “tells 400 stories” and noted the exhibit includes six intentionally blank squares to represent stories that were lost or suppressed. "This quilt doesn't just document history. It sets the table for deeper understanding," Nasley said, and encouraged visitors to use QR codes to explore a digital version of the quilt online.

Michelle Bishop, founder and executive director of Harlem Needle Arts, described the commission for the museum and credited collaborating artists and partners, including Laura Gatson, Ife Felix, Sylvia Hernandez and illustrator Adrienne Franks. Bishop said she hopes the quilt can be incorporated into New York City educational curricula so future generations can learn from and question the history it represents.

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, the final speaker, urged continued attention to historical memory: "If we don't keep on repeating, talking about it, it will repeat itself," she said, praising the installation as a way to showcase ancestors' contributions.

Organizers said the quilt was commissioned four years ago as part of a broader museum project and is on display now in the City Hall Civic Space; organizers invited City Hall visitors to view the installation and scan QR codes to access additional information and a digital, crowd-extendable 'legacy quilt.' The program partners named during remarks included the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) and Harlem Needle Arts; curatorial credits mentioned Kathryn Piccoli and food historian Jessica Harris.

The event concluded with thanks from Deputy Speaker Natasha Williams to the speakers, artists and council staff. There were no formal votes or legislative actions recorded during the unveiling.