Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Barnet residents celebrated creativity and unity as colourful community quilts were proudly paraded through the streets in a public showcase of local artistry.
People from all throughout the borough are involved in the Community Quilt Project Barnet. They paraded their three patchwork quilt banners from Swan Lane Open Space in Whetstone to Victoria Park in Church End, Finchley, on Sunday, June 15, the eve of Refugee Week.
It was a worthwhile and joyful event because of the happy faces of the people watching, the kids who came up at the start of the parade to point out their favorite patches, the people in their apartments banging pots and pans, the bus and car drivers who sounded their horns in solidarity, and the generous man who gave away free bottles of water on a hot day from the doorway of his shop.
They walked proudly on such pavements.
One of three words—”Unity,” “Celebration,” or “Solidarity”—would be visible to anyone who happened to glance at the back of each quilt. The spirit in which the quilts were created was embodied in these three words.
Ten months of preparation, including multiple workshops to create the hundreds of exquisitely hand-sewn patches from various communities throughout the Barnet borough, culminated in the march.
Even though some of us were total novices at needlepoint and others were masters, the process we went through was what really made these gatherings so fulfilling. Networks and friendships were formed, and participants discussed the benefits of working together to build something.
At the end of the parade they were greeted by more well-wishers and they stood displaying the banners while people took photographs and proudly pointed out their own patches to relatives and friends.
They enjoyed listening to speakers including Farida who beautifully expressed what we felt:
“It is deeply moving to see all of the gathered patches – not just a beautiful quilt, but to make a powerful statement that hate has no place here and that unity, creativity and community will always be stronger than division.
Each patch tells a story of identity, resilience and connection to everyone who made this project possible. Let’s continue to walk together – not just today, but every day – towards a more compassionate and united Barnet.”
The terrifying far-right attacks and threats against refugees and asylum seekers around the UK, including their own community in Finchley, served as the catalyst for them to begin this project last August. They took the decision to begin an initiative based on fostering inclusivity and love.
They hope that people who see the quilts will like them as much as they enjoyed creating them. The quilts will now be on display in various locations across Barnet.
What inspired the community to create and parade the quilts in Barnet?
As a visible and innovative protest against racism, xenophobia, and far-right activities, the quilts were intended to be a collective act of resistance.
Through the inclusion of patches from people and organizations of all ages and backgrounds, the quilts honor and celebrate Barnet’s rich racial and cultural variety.
The project’s goal was to establish a permanent representation of solidarity and welcome for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, proving that Barnet is a caring and inclusive community.
People came together to create the quilts and parade them around the streets, strengthening their sense of purpose and community.