On Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group hosted its monthly meeting and program at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The featured speaker was Quilter, social justice activist, and retired teacher, Ms. NedRa Bonds. The program was a joint venture with the National WW I Museum’s “Maker’s Social” program that invites all seasoned makers and the craft-curious to an afternoon of history and handcrafts where guests had the opportunity to learn and make their own crafts.
Ms. NedRa Bonds, a Kansas City, Kansas native, uses her talents to share social justice messages and teach and preserve history. Her primary art medium is quilt-making. She has created more than 100 quilts. She creates quilts and mixed media fiber dolls using fabric, beads, and symbolism to explore issues dealing with human rights, race, women, politics, the environment, and even her own personal health challenges. Bonds’ quilts reflect social and political themes, using vibrant color, rich texture, and contemporary three-dimensional elements. She is best known for her Quindaro Quilt, a quilt measuring 4 by 6 feet, detailing the important history of the Quindaro neighborhood and its role as part of the National Underground Railroad System of Historic Trails. As a community activist and educator, Bonds has advocated for legislation, and taught workshops locally and internationally.
Bonds received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Kansas in American Studies and her Master of Science at Kansas State University in Urban Education. Bonds was a long-time educator at various schools in Kansas City but retired to devote herself full-time to her art practice. Her art has been widely exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally.