Dear Missouri Star Quilt Company,
Firstly, I have mad respect for what you’ve built. Jenny and I are super cool I honestly love her. I’ve done work with y’all a number of times. And I’m the first to celebrate another’s success because as one rises in the quilting industry, we all rise. However, your silence right now is doing harm to the Black community and harm to the future of the quilting industry at large.
The story of moving to Missouri just trying to find a way to afford retirement and then transforming it into an amusement park for quilters is legendary. We all know it. We’ve heard you speak on it. We’ve watched you talk about it on YouTube and your website and Forbes and CBS This Morning and MSNBC. This is all spectacular and amazing omg I am living for the increased visibility of the quilting industry so much. So legit, thank you for all you’ve done. But with this visibility, you now represent the quilting industry for so many. So so so many. So so so so so many. You are quite literally THE face of quilting. And right now, your silence is communicating that black lives don’t matter. And if your silence is intended to maintain the business of quilters that don’t think black lives matter, that seriously breaks my heart and a legion of quilters that want racism to end. From what I’m hearing and reading, many of us are sorry that we gave you the money to build an empire only to silence black stories and black voices with it.
You, right now, have a responsibility to the quilting community to do the right thing. We as a nation all need to stand up and say, “black lives matter”…. just as much as any other life. It’s so easy to say. Like so easy. So so so easy. So so so so so easy. American history is clearly and oppressive country, even with the white-washed account of its history in centuries of education. It was designed for White superiority and Black oppression. This country kidnapped and enslaved Africans for 250+ years. With freedom, came intentional mass incarceration to exploit a loophole to maintain free labor for the economy. The Black community accumulated no wealth, no standing, and even today there are innumerable laws on the books trying to oppress the Black community and make sure they achieve no wealth and no standing. I know you see and know this. And right now you can’t look away. Please don’t look away.
Yes, I could have sent this quietly, but frankly I care more about trying to heal the pain you have caused to the Black community than y’all being a little embarrassed. And honestly, this can’t ignored. With your voice, you could pivot the ENTIRE quilting community to the path of anti-racism. That’s a lot of power. So please use it for good. Please.
And honestly, I truly hope that I am wrong here. And that y’all have been doing a lot of anti-racism work behind the scenes. And instead of putting up a statement, you were really trying to figure out how to be a leader right now and implement tangible internal and external things to help end systemic racism and help shift the racist-leaning of the quilting industry to one of inclusion and equity and diversity. And I would eat crow like nobody’s business. Like all the crow. I’d eat it all. But a statement won’t do now. We need you to be the leader described above because, if quilting is going to survive beyond its current dominant demographic, we need to bring in younger quilters. And the kids aren’t down with racism.
I seriously hope that this is received with love and true kindness for ALL. And I fully expect some popping off because we are all protective of Jenny, even myself. But right now, the Black community needs us. And had the Doans been a Black family and not White, they would still be struggling to afford retirement.
With love and respect,
Mathew Boudreaux
Mister Domestic
#blacklivesmatter
Well said!
Bravo!
Hot damn you did that!
Yes!
Thank you for sharing your letter, Matthew! Missouri Star Quilt Company, please lead in this. Change and justice are the responsibility of those with privilege. Silence is violence.
???
Lack of comment is not surprising. Please research African Americans in the Mormon Church. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s that black people could participate in rituals or become priests. Book of Mormon described their members as “white and delightful persons”.
Thanks for this. Explains why they have been silent.
Well said Mathew! Silence says so much. I’m sure I won’t mind taking my business elsewhere should the silence continue.
Mathew, are you really sure you want to go this route? It’s not cool to destroy a person’s or a company’s reputation just because they don’t respond to something totally unrelated to their business the way you want them to respond. They are a business, not an activist organization. You did the same thing to Brother. No, not cool at all.
Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless.
Not to speak is to speak.
Not to act is to act.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I’m with you on this, Kathleen. It is not cool to destroy a person’s or a company’s reputation about something unrelated to their business.
Kathleen, with all that’s going on right now, wouldn’t you think MSQC WOULD have made a statement of support by now? Mathew just believes in this passionately and recognizes that silence is NOT a good sign. We all need to step up to help support the black community. It’s high time we put an end to racism! And his letter is not nasty – his concerns were stated along with showing love and admiration for the company. Bless you.
Well said Kathleen!
Thank you! BLM cannot be ignored, especially by white privileged folks. You hit the nail on the head – if they were Black they would still be struggling. It’s one thing to remain publicly silent because you’re reflecting behind the scenes. But it speaks volumes to continue daily promotional emails without any mention of BLM.
I feel that remark in itself is racist (if they were black they would be struggling).
Really……think about that statement! What are you saying?
How is “shaming” people helpful? Is it really going effect change?
People have the right to bring forward their opinions in their own time.
Let’s trying loving people during this time of turmoil, rather than tearing them down. We love our black brothers and sisters and need to focus on the prize, rather than get mired down in finger pointing and name calling.
That statement is quite accurate. Are you not aware of the economic disparity between whites and minorities? Nothing racist about statistics
Jenny Doan is a white woman who built a business with her quilting talent. She is successful. How can you know that she wouldn’t have been successful had she been black? Michael Jordan is black and his success was due to his talent in basketball. Are you saying he wouldn’t have been successful if he had been white?
Name a famous Black quilter. When you go to a quilting show, how many Black people do you see? Do you think that’s because Black people don’t quilt or sew??? Because they do but they aren’t welcomed in the quilting world because white women have made it clear they are not welcome. If you don’t believe me find Black quilters and sewists on instagram. ALL of the ones I follow have been talking about how racism forced them out of the quilting world. Jenny got started because she was able to get a loan and business in Missouri to start long arm quilting. Systemic racism means that if she were Black she’d have been significantly less likely to have gotten a loan and significantly less likely to have gotten business from her white neighbors
Wow lady. Guess you recognize vile behavior because your response is just that. I’m sure Ginny can speak for herself
It’s their business and shouldn’t be bullied into doing something. Every life matters. You have an opinion that you feel passionate about but that doesn’t give you the right to condemn someone else. It’s time to stop judging.
Not forcing the situation and keeping people comfortable got us into the position we’re in now. There’s a time for being polite and there’s a time for standing up for what is right.
Black lives matter explained according to scripture in case you still don’t get it.
Jesus in Luke 15
100 sheep, but one goes missing.
Jesus leaves the 99 and goes after the one.
The 99 ask “But what about us? Don’t we matter?”
Of course the 99 still matter but they’re not the ones in danger.
The ONE is.
Mr Domestic, the proper way to approach this would have been to personally contact Jenny (MSQC). Everyone has a right to speak out, or not to do so. Your trying to force a situation by calling them out on a public forum.
Very rude…not cool.
There is a time for being polite and a time to stand up for what is right. Keeping people from being uncomfortable has gotten us in the situation we’re in now.
Many of us have contacted them personally and gotten no response. In fact, I got a survey asking if I was happy with their customer service. So disappointing. Will never spend another dime there.
Why does everyone have to state their opinion? If it’s not the right one they immediately get criticized. What happened to everyone can make their own choice? I really don’;t agree with forcing people to express their opinion. Quilting has nothing to do with this issue and you are way out of line.
Everyone doesn’t get to make their own choice when it comes to basic ethics and humanity. He’s 100% right and shame on you for trying to shame him. Quilting is an art like any other and if you think art can’t be in the conversation of what is right and ethical then you’re blind.
And here you are stating your opinion that quilting has nothing to do with BLM.
Because it is not about a person voicing their opinion. It is about a company. And I have the right to know where a company stands on any matter, political or otherwise, so that I can decide whether or not I want to support them with my money. For example, if I read about a company donating to anti-LGBQT organizations (Hobby Lobby), you can be sure they won’t get my money. So yes, it matters where companies stand.
Go Matthew!
Thank you for voicing this so eloquently, this is not a time to be silent.
Thank you for speaking so eloquently on this topic, now is not the time to remain silent.
I think it’s everyone’s choice to do what they want and what they feel is right. I have never done anything in my life to treat anyone of color, lol, we all have color, with disrespect. I think it should be an All Lives Matter. I know all about why it isn’t, but if white people, Hispanics , Chinese, gays etc can protest with the BLM group, then show the respect to all of those that I just mentioned and make it all lives matter. I actually feel like BLM is racist. What if the white population started a WLM. What if we had a white Miss America Pageant? I don’t have an ounce of prejudice in my body. I raised my children to respect everyone. I grew up in a household where blacks were called more names than I can ever remember. I vowed as a child to never repeat those words or disrespect anyone. I’ve kept that promise. I am not ashamed that I am white. I grew up in Irvington, NJ. Look it up. I grew up poor. I watched my mother work two jobs most of my life. She is 95 years old. It made her strong! I swear that’s why she is still with us and has every bit of her memory. My “white privilege” wasn’t easy. That by the way, is a racist comment. I worked my way out of a ghetto. It wasn’t easy. It was damn hard. So to me ALM… that includes everyone. May God Bless all of us! Peace!
Reverse racism doesn’t exist. Do some reading.
You don’t get it. I’m sad because there are people who are willing to listen and learn and then there are people like you. Everyday people wake up black and automatically are not good enough in the eyes of others. Your whiteness never held you back or made someone fear you. That’s white privilege. My 14 yr old nephew was riding his bike in an upscale Portland Or. neighborhood. Was stopped by two cops and thrown to the ground. His crime? No bicycle light and he is black. Oh and he lives in one of those fabulous homes with his family. That’s why BLM. This does not happen to people of white privilege. Don’t feel guilty. Embrace your skin color and listen and learn and I will do the same.
I agree!
Please try to educate yourself as to why it is damaging to respond with “all lived matter”. Look at it this way – you had a hard life and worked hard to get out of poverty. So did I. But, as white women, our skin color helped, not hindered, our ability to do so.
There is a WLM movement, it’s called white supremacy, or also Nazi’s, or the white nationalist movement, or the KKK, take your pick. I probably shouldn’t bother replying to such ignorance, but seriously did you not go to school or ever learn any history?
Yes, you are right but the difference is that they are looked at with disgust and disdain. People are not bullied into Backing the KKK. Your hypocrite ways are showing.
Perhaps it would make more sense to you if you think about the sad point at which your mother dies. You tell a friend, and that friend says “All Parents Matter.” The important word here is MATTER. White privilege is a hell of a drug, and saying that is a racist comment is pure nonsense.
This is not the way to effect the hearts and minds of people.
Agree!
Absolutely unacceptable. I have unsubscribed from your Facebook Page and I will never watch another YouTube video you make. What a huge disappointment. People are entitled to make their own decisions about what they want to stay silent on, or what they want to voice an opinion on. You are way out of line.
I agree! He is dictating how someone else should express their views and forming a judgement just because they may choose a different forum to show support. Everyone is not called to take a stand for right in the same way. He is judging without knowing their heart.
I agree; not plastering their website with BLM does not mean that they don’t care or are racist, perhaps they choose to keep their business just that, and not personal. One can believe in something and still choose to not publicize it. By the way, just for clarification, the USA has not been a country for 250+ years (as stated in Matthews letter)) therefore could not have had slavery for 250+ years (use proper facts in your bullying).
The first slaves arrived in Jamestown in 1619. Well over 250 years.
Cool, cause I’m going to follow him on FM and will watch videos so your flounce is a big net zero. Bye!
Just a quick note RE: the Mormon faith. While its history is as described, this doesn’t explain MSQC’s silence. Mitt Romney — also a lifelong Mormon — marched in D.C. on Sunday and said the three little words that mean so much to so many: Black lives matter.
I love MSQC. I learned to quilt watching Jenny’s videos. I love the enormous impact the Doans have consciously made in their adopted hometown. I love the way in which the company has become, as Matthew notes, a leader in the industry.
From a long career working for two companies that are market leaders in their industries, I have experienced firsthand that with leadership comes special responsibilities. Setting the ethical tone for the industry and modeling inclusion are among these. Companies that don’t take up this mantle don’t stay market leaders for long.
Like Matthew, I’ve been struck by MSQC’s silence. This seems to be a watershed moment, when we as a country have the opportunity to bend the arc of history. Every voice matters. In the quilting industry, because of its market power, MSQC’s matters more than most. As a MSQC fan and loyal customer, I want the company to speak up. This isn’t a political issue; it’s a human rights issue.
Reasonable people can disagree about tactics. Matthew did what he believed would be most effective, and it’s grossly unfair to suggest, as at least one commenter has, that he’s making this about him. That seems absurd. What I see is an honorable man — who has proven his honor more times than I can count in the scant two years that I’ve been quilting — tirelessly exhorting his industry to recognize the present moment for what it is — the best opportunity we’ve had to overcome our country’s “original sin” and move closer to our aspiration that all Americans enjoy the same basic rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I fully support Matthew’s efforts. God love him, in fact, because his was the first — and has been the most persistent — voice in the industry.
Big deal. Mitt marched in a parade and said Black Lives Matter as a lifelong member of a racist church. No doubt he was a missionary pushing these views while believing his Book of Mormon that their members are “white and delightful”.
Beautifully said.
I won’t be shopping with MSQC until this is cleared up.
Which is a shame because I love their booths at the shows (Road to California specifically)
I am choosing to spend my money with companies that have made a public statement.
In our current climate… silence equates to death. We have tried to be patient… and quiet… and polite. We try not to discuss this sort of thing in public for fear of offending someone
Now… frankly… i don’t care who’s offended. If my shopping habits and these opinions are offensive to you…. then you’re part of the problem.
If you feel that someone stating that they won’t shop with a company that won’t publicly denounce racism… then you are just as racist as the person that killed George Floyd
No more money from my pocket… for racists
My sentiments exactly.
I think that the Doans are thinking right now of how they can help the Black Lives Matter campaign in a concrete way. It is a pity when political activism turns into a PR campaign. Awareness is important, but behaviour and how you treat people in the real world matters more. This blog post is misplaced, mistimed and inappropriate because it (a) makes an assumption of moral superiority (b) assumes that everyone should respond in the same way at the same time and (c) gives no right of reply. Is posting a black square and a hashtag on social media really going to change matters so much?
I’d prefer to see YOU make a statement about your business affairs and how you intend to make life better for everyone. Bullying and public shaming are exactly the opposite of the fairness, equality and compassion that black lives matter is all about.
I bet MSQC won’t rush to work with you in future.
I totally agree! Just because they are not plastering BLM all over social media does not make them racist. This has gone too far. I love my black brothers and sisters and think George Floyd’s death was despicable but there is a right and a wrong way to seek justice. What about Native Americans, elderly barely living on fixed incomes, children abused in their homes, babies being slaughtered? America is on a downhill slide that posting black squares on electronics is not going to fix. Hearts need to be changed and the only way to do that is to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Well said…..
I agree whith you Elizabeth Fieldsend
It’s hard on a business as can be seen by responses here and the very varied response. From a business perspective, a lot of quilters are older white women. Taking a stance can effect their business in a very negative way. While they personally their thinking may be right on track, they’re maybe protecting their business in the way they think is best. It may not meet everyone’s desire for response, But it’s what feels best to them. At least their response is not the other way!
Peace, love and learning to all during these crazy times.
“Older white women” need to wake up and understand that they are part of the problem if they’re too fragile to see the desperate need for anti-racism work and that Black Lives MATTER.
I personally messaged MSQC once about this as well as once in regards to their poor response to Covid. I was polite, kind, respectful and asked for a simple response … I received none. I loved Jenny, her story, and her business model. She is a leader in the quilting community as well as someone that I personally looked up to. I am so disappointed about their lack of leadership. So my response is simple and really the only one that matters…I will no longer spend my $1,000s of quilting dollars annually at the MSQC.
There ya go.same as me. Speak with my wallet. I give my money to companies with courage to stand up for what is right.
Yep. I think if they’re working “quietly behind the scenes”, then we can also by spending our dollars elsewhere.
Meh, that’s okay I’ll make up for it.
I am of the opinion that ALL lives matter in equal measure!
Then you don’t understand the concern of Luke 15 or Matthew 25:40
Then you need to read up on why saying that in response to #blacklivesmatter just shows your white privilege. Try listening more and talking less.
This right here. While yes, all lives matter, for 400 years, black lives haven’t mattered quite as much as white lives. For anyone that says “all lives matter”, please examine why you’re saying that.
The important word in that phrase is “Matter.” Your statement is off base and a reflection of your privilege.
Fucking racist. You don’t get it. All lives matter but it’s the blacks being killed in the streets. Wake up. Learn something. Do better. That’s what I’m doing.
I’ll put it this way – Maybe you can understand. 9/11 was horrible! We are told we should NEVER forget. I lived in NY prior and cried when I watched the Twin Towers fall. Wouldn’t it be insensitive of me on, 9/11, to say All Buildings Matter in equal measure?
Thank goodness a White Knight rode along to save all of us silly women from ourselves.
Thank you for riding in and telling us all what to do and how to feel just like so,so,so many men have done in the past. So, so, so, so many men.
Thank you for collecting items from mostly (possibly all?) women and auctioning them off, using our hard work to look like a woke hero.
Thank you for teaching our daughters that women can do anything when a man instructs us on what we should do. You are a true beacon of hope.
Allies surrender the stage to lift underprivileged voices, you only seem interested in pushing everyone else off stage and giving a soliloquy.
tl:dr: you have become a sexist bully whose only interest is amplifying his own voice.
while your feminist outrage is admirable, I have often laughed at the men wanting to mansplain on quilting sites, and such. This time I think he is entitled to his opinion and I don’t feel he is telling all women quilters what to do. I liked your point though.
Wow. You need to look in the mirror.
I’m not understanding why you’re attacking MSQC. Our leaders in DC need attacked. They can make the change, not business owners. Write you letter to your Congressman. Write your letter to police chiefs. Businesses are being attacked and robbed by violent people. Pray to God Almighty!
MSQC has become a leader in the quilting industry and with that comes great responsibility to represent ALL quilters. I agree with Matthew, their silence is saying quite a lot about which quilters they want to represent in the future…it’s a shame…
This is a call to action, and I hope they and others will rise.
This is so well said and an exceedingly reasonable ask given the gravity of the situation. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to them and for all of your other inspiring work in this arena!
Matthew,
Thank you for your letter. I am one of the “old white women” mentioned in a comment above. I support you in what you said. Thank you for saying it. This needs to be said in all venues and all parts of our lives. One cannot separate our hobbies and jobs from our lives. Politics influences our lives and has a place in all aspects of it.
Black lives matter.
Who knows, maybe the Missouri Quilt Company is working quietly behind the scenes by donating money to various activist or black organizations or doing other things. Who are we to judge without knowing all the facts? In your face activism isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and so we each have to do what we CAN do. Every bit helps. Racism has been a problem for a LONG time and it isn’t going to be solved overnight even though we would love it to be. Begin by being KIND to your neighbor no matter the color and by living an ethical life.
You need to get a life. Keep your nose in your own business, just because words are not spoken out loud doest mean they don’t care. Actions speak louder than words
Wait. So Matthew should “keep his nose in his own business,” but it’s A-OK for you to tell him to “get a life” and MYOB on his own blog? Gotcha.
Jane, When people do noble things, they are exited about them and love to share. This company didn’t and Matthew spoke to them and held them accountable. Sounds like you need to dig deep into your personal wounds and try to do better.
Thank you for speaking up. Hopefully Jenny and the family are quietly planning a massive effort to declare Black Lives Matters, and put African-American quilters, fabric, teachers, etc. front and center.
If that doesn’t happen, they’re sadly on the wrong side of a sordid piece of American history. We’re standing at a historic, watershed moment, and silence = complicity.
Ignore the angry comments Mathew. You’re on the right side of history. If someone, anywhere, in the quilt community in 2020 is disturbed by the phrase “Black Lives Matter” they need to examine their own fragility and complicity.
Keep speaking up.
A brave thing to do, and kudos to you for it. Obviously you knew it would raise a ruckus and yet you did it anyway. Bill Penzey of Penzey’s Spices has led the way over the past few years with this kind of civic responsibility, and it has actually helped his business. You would think that companies would learn from that and stand on the right side of history for economic reasons if not for ethical ones!
Matthew, as one who has been vocal in the past, I applaud you and I love your gracious and generous heart. Please continue what you are doing. I am praying for your safety, because people can be evil. You are right in speaking out. I love your knowledge and understanding of what we Black people have gone through in this country. God love you and bless you.
Matthew, thank you for shining a spotlight. Given the current situation in the world not is NOT the time for silent protest or silent support. We are all looking at you to see if you will lead or fall by the wayside. As a woman of a certain age, a lifelong quilter and a member of the human race I applaud you Matthew.
It appears MSQC got the message…check their FB page 🙂
I just did. There is nothing.
How dare you presume to bully MSQC, or any other company, into a stance on some political issue? What in tarnation has quilting to do with ANY political issue? You are so completely off topic with your comments. Silence on any matter just means that a point is private and not an issue to be commercialized. Something that you seem to have completely backwards. Back off, bully!
Just by asking ” What in tarnation has quilting to do with ANY political issue?” you have put your ignorance on FULL display. You know NOTHING of the history of quilting.
N O T H I N G
Racist Bully Bitch.
And you know nothing of the history of the US.
“How dare you presume….?” I see you managed to avoid calling him uppity, but that might just be luck on your part. You’re the one who is off topic, I’m afraid to say.
It’s not political, it’s human rights. It should be all our business. If one person isn’t safe then none of us are safe. Learn about the BLM issues. Study. Read. That’s what I’m doing. Be part of the solution.
Well said Mathew. I applaud you, and I applaud MSQC for their response.
What response?? I’m on their Facebook page and there is no response. I see no posts since March.
You applaud bullying, and hateful speech – this was nothing short of slander and if this hurts MSQ one bit, I hope they sue his pants off. He has no right to tell another company what they should or should not do and how they should act.
Most quilters sew to get a break and away from the ugliness of what is going on in our country right now. People are also fed up with the political strife and want to go somewhere free of hate and all of the nastiness and you bring bring, over and over. Just because we want a break does NOT make us racist – it makes us tired. Tired of the yelling, the lies, the manipulation and frankly tired of people telling us how we are to think, act and respond. He does not know about her family – for all he knows there could be people of color in her family.
What happened to George Floyd was in-excusable, And that officer is being Rightfully charged, but she did have a point that if you are not in the process of committing a crime your chances of having a run-in with the authorities goes way down. To put someone who has 7 felonies, one of which was assault with a gun on a pregnant woman, on the same level as Martin Luther King is insane.
I think Matthew’s point is that now is not the time to protest quietly, and for the precise reason that we can’t know what someone is thinking unless they speak up, just as you have. I hope that companies that have a huge audience, take the opportunity to use their voice and support racial equality. I’m not supporting any company that doesn’t. Speaking in one voice, and with compassion, can often cause a person to rethink their position. Whether it does or not, silence is not an option.
I believe that you could have written an OPEN letter to every quilt and sewing shop in the business to help with Black Lives Matter. What about Quilt in a Day, The Fat Quarter Shop-etc.? I believe that was not the best way to call out a company that has helped their hometown.
Many companies DID stand up. Fat Quarter shop put out a statement and donated to a Black organization 2 weeks ago. They also donated to the fundraiser. Bernina, Tula Pink, Jaybird Quilts and many others all put out statements in support. Jaybird and others also donated to the fundraiser. Missouri Star is a huge industry leader and their silence was deafening
Dear Mr. Boudreaux,
Strangely, I haven’t seen you condemn the riots, property being burned, and/or the looting. I would agree with you had the protests been done in a peaceful manner but to try and force a company to support a violent cause of which we have witnessed on news stories is ludicrous to say the least! And the way you are going about “asking” MSQC to support Black Lives Matter is in a shaming, bullying fashion. How do you know if MSQC hasn’t donated to the BLM Movement? You don’t. People and companies should have the right to decide how to respond to situations such as this in their own time and in their own way without being branded a “racist”.
MANY attempts of peaceful protests have been made and belittled.
It isn’t replaceable buildings and products that matter. It is irreplaceable people who matter. People who for 400+ years have been denied the basic dignity, respect, and ease in living that a middle aged white woman like myself can so easily take for granted.
I challenge you to stand in this new discomfort you are feeling. This is a tiny taste of the fear and distress bipoc have felt every day of their lives. Recognize the grace and mercy our bipoc neighbors show us every day.
It is important that every business and institution lets the public know their stance. Silence is consent.
Absolutely. Perfect response.
Hopefully they have not donated to the BLM organization! All of their funding is sent to Democratic candidates. None of it goes to the black community. Anyone who is falling for the lie that the organization cares about black people is a fool!
And if I have worked with a company, associating both my personal and professional reputation with them, I have every right to know whether they support the black community or not.
Response from MSQC. Now please let them be:
Black Lives Matter
Hello quilting community, we’ve got a few things we need to say. Racism is terrible. Police brutality is unacceptable. Black lives matter. We believe that everyone deserves love, kindness, empathy, and compassion.
We believe we are all children of God. We are family and if someone in our family is hurting, we’re blood and we need to support each other.
Initially we didn’t want to say anything so we could spare the world another post that told you to look at us and how good we’re doing at supporting this cause that everyone is paying attention to. It felt self-serving. We felt like it would take the attention from the movement and put it onto us. It felt wrong. And in a sense it still does. We know many of you are taking action, publicly or privately, to show support, and not all those who care post it on social media. We realize that our silence has been interpreted by some as not caring. Let us be clear. We care. We condemn racism in all forms and stand with our brothers and sisters in working to end it.
Helping those in need is in our DNA and the DNA of quilters everywhere. With the help of our customers, we’ve donated quilts, food, money, and more to people in need. Today, to further support those fighting injustices in our country, we’ve decided to implement a program wherein five $5,000 donations to charities will be made annually. At least one of those donations, for as long as we exist as a company, will go to causes supporting and promoting opportunities for BIPOC.
We are still figuring out what more we can do and we promise to keep trying. If you come across a person who is in pain or suffering, would you just put an arm around them, give a hug, and listen to their story? Maybe even put a quilt around their shoulders. Life is hard when you feel alone, so please, love the people around you.
Sincerely, Your Missouri Star Family
Black Lives Matter
Hello quilting community, we’ve got a few things we need to say. Racism is terrible. Police brutality is unacceptable. Black lives matter. We believe that everyone deserves love, kindness, empathy, and compassion.
We believe we are all children of God. We are family and if someone in our family is hurting, we’re blood and we need to support each other.
Initially we didn’t want to say anything so we could spare the world another post that told you to look at us and how good we’re doing at supporting this cause that everyone is paying attention to. It felt self-serving. We felt like it would take the attention from the movement and put it onto us. It felt wrong. And in a sense it still does. We know many of you are taking action, publicly or privately, to show support, and not all those who care post it on social media. We realize that our silence has been interpreted by some as not caring. Let us be clear. We care. We condemn racism in all forms and stand with our brothers and sisters in working to end it.
Helping those in need is in our DNA and the DNA of quilters everywhere. With the help of our customers, we’ve donated quilts, food, money, and more to people in need. Today, to further support those fighting injustices in our country, we’ve decided to implement a program wherein five $5,000 donations to charities will be made annually. At least one of those donations, for as long as we exist as a company, will go to causes supporting and promoting opportunities for BIPOC.
We are still figuring out what more we can do and we promise to keep trying. If you come across a person who is in pain or suffering, would you just put an arm around them, give a hug, and listen to their story? Maybe even put a quilt around their shoulders. Life is hard when you feel alone, so please, love the people around you.
Sincerely, Your Missouri Star Family
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How dare you to have the audacity to tell another business owner let alone a quilt shop what they should or should not do. It seems to me black lives matter only to criminals, like Floyd who was in the midst of commiting a crime, plus had illegal drugs i n his system and then had the unfortunate circumstance to run into a rogue cop. Your people and others who follow you destroyed minority businesses with your looting and rioting. But none of you spoke up and demanded the arrest of the person who shot and killed — assassinated really Lt. Dorn who was a black cop trying to protect law-abiding citizens. No, you don’t really believe black lives matter because if you did there would be as much if not more over the death of Lt. Dorn. So, no blacks don’t matter. ALL LIVES MATTER. And please understand that your risk of running into a bad cop goes down substantially when you do not engage in criminal behavior. I will be writing to Jenny asking her NOT to take a stance with regard to this mess. Quilters quilt for a variety of reasons, but not to divide this country or to have quilt shops take a stance on any particukar issue that you or anyone else deems they shoukd. And if you don’t like it that a particular business is not bowing to your whims, you are free to take your business elsewhere.
Carol, your comment has got to be one of the most repulsive comments on this post–and you are not one bit ashamed to show us your disgusting real self. I’m embarrassed for your extreme ignorance, privilege, and pure racism on full view. YUK.
Well said, Sue!
I agree!
Preach! Thanks for posting this in responce to bullying and hate.
In this country, people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. George Floyd was murdered. He didn’t get a chance for that court.
When passing a forged bank note, the procedure is to speak with the person and try to trace where they got the note. Instead, after complying with the officer, he was simply and brutally, in front of cameras, murdered.
CAROL EPPERLEY – I am curious how you know that Mr. Floyd committed a crime? He was arrested, tried and executed on the street in a little over 8 minutes. I was at a store yesterday with my daughter and I paid with a $20 bill. The clerk checked to see if it was counterfeit by marking it with a special pen. The whole time I thought of Mr. Floyd. Did he know he was paying with counterfeit currency? What if my $20 was not real? We live in a world where you can be killed over this if you’re black. I shared my thoughts about this with my daughter and we both paused at the deep sadness and anger of this reality in our country. All lives don’t matter if Black Lives don’t Matter.
This whole comment was a hot plate of privilege with a side dish of racism.
I don’t understand what message you wanted to communicate to your readers when you wrote this post. How did you come to choose MSQ as the targeted company for your post when there are thousands of companies to choose from?
Imagine Kathleen showing her racist ass to the whole quilting world. No big loss.
Before everyone flies off of the handle and decides they will never shop at MSQC ever again, how about we give them a little time to decide what their response to all of the violence and racism is, on their own, without someone bullying them into it. As for the “still sending out promotional” emails-that kind of thing is automatic. I have watched a few of Jenny’s videos that she did since the whole Covid thing started and just from that, you can tell that they are working with a skeleton crew and have just maybe a lot on their plate right now trying to keep their company going with the pandemic. Then to slam them with a “racist” accusation that basically demands that they react “RIGHT NOW, RIGHT WAY” is certainly out of line. Yes, they should make a public statement, but it should be on their timeline, not yours. You verge on being a bully with this.
Thankyou, Mathew, for saying what needed to be said. It’s too bad that Missouri Star thought that making a statement saying they support anti-racism would be construed as “look at us” HOW WARPED is that? Can I just say what people are actually thinking when such a large business, like MSQC, decides to remain silent on this watershed moment in history? They’re likely saying “I value not offending any of our clients who are okay with the status quo and prefer profits over taking a stance against racism.” At least that’s what it seems to me and the “We didn’t want to add noise to the issue” is empty and not believable. You wanted to disappear into the background and hunker down hoping the whole thing would blow over. Inconveniently for those remaining silent, it is not. Speak out. #blacklivesmatter #standinthegap
I don’t think the company has mentioned how much white lives matter either. Put on your big girl panties! It’s not like this company is refusing to sell to black people! Not everything is about race unless you want to make it about race!
Wow, you have some deep seated issues. Nobody is saying ONLY black lives matter. Simply that right now (and for centuries), black lives have mattered less, if at all. If your house was on fire and needed a firetruck, but they stopped at every house on the way to your house, because “all houses matter”, yours would burn to the ground because of selfishness. That is exactly how you sound right now. And really, “big girl panties?” That’s your mature response to a serious issue, and a well worded, respectful plea for a statement. I hope your children don’t pick up what you’re throwing down, because the world is bigger than your backyard.
Exactly right, Frank.”All Lives Matter” is pure white selfishness coming from people who just can’t stand it when something isn’t all about them.
Enough. I feel this is all being shoved down our throats.
Like slavery was shoved down the throats of black slaves? Or like Chauvin’s knee on George Floyd’s neck? Or … what? Does it really make you uncomfortable to say that Black lives matter? Are you so thin skinned that you can’t bear to speak the words?
Perfect response thank you
Perfect response from m2design I mean !
Really? Imagine how BIPOC feel when being constantly confronted by your casual racism and microagressions every damned day!
I really wonder who made you, Mister Domestic, in charge of calling Missouri Star/the Doans out for their lack of a response or reaction to the BLM movement (or any movement for that matter). Who made you God, Judge and Jury? All you’ve done is start drama and put out your opinion while trashing a well loved company. I quilt and follow quilt sites for a hobby for a reason. I don’t want the ugliness of the world in every aspect of my life. You say you love MS, etc. I say bull because here you are calling someone out when it’s just stirring the pot and trying to put them in a bad light. Shame on you!
Thank you – well said, Michele
have you shopped in their stores with a black person? They followed us around afraid that we would steal. They didn’t follow the old white ladies around.
I agree with you Michele Fetter.
Dear Mr Domestic, I love you. I think you are an amazing man. To stand up to the injustices against a section of our country that has and is being treated very differently from our own Lilly white asses, is wonderful. It’s about time EVERYONE stands up to wrong one last time. And it’s time to call everyone to stand up for what’s right. Many times in history bad ideas and people have gotten away with ugly murderous behavior, because no one stood up and said stop. Enough is enough. They get away with it because they are allowed to get away with it. When did doing the right thing become so hard? When did saying the right thing become a matter of turn your back and don’t get involved? I believe in my heart Quilters are a kind giving group that goes out of its way to help the needy. How many of you have made a quilt for a veteran? Sick child? Woman with breast cancer? Family that has lost everything in a fire? A pillowcase for a kid in the hospital? We can do this. We are strong women and men Quilters. Open your hearts and take a stand against injustice.
Beautifully said.
Well, aren’t you a self-righteous POS
Eagerly await your videos and social media posts where you “eat crow like nobody’s business.” They made a statement & pledged money days ago. Man up and eat crow.
Not before he made this blog post. . .
Well isn’t “Bonny” the voice of “nobody asked you” as well as a rabid racist, I’m sure.
Well, “Frank” I don’t believe anybody asked for Mr Domestic’s opinion on the subject either. And it’s rather presumptuous of you to assume I’m a racist just because I called out a bully for being a POS. That’s my opinion of any bully, regardless of their skin color. It’s unfortunate people can’t see the hypocrisy of people like you and Mr. Domestic.
And you are a racist. If you don’t understand what he is doing. It’s time we all stand up for black lives matter. Educate yourself and watch 13th on netflix.
All Lives Matter means that ALL discrimination should end, not just discrimination against black lives. No white selfishness there – lives can be black, white or purple, it doesn’t matter. Their life matters.
Exactly.
Did you ever hear someone say “All Lives Matter” before the BLM movement started? You didn’t and there’s a reason for that. All Lives Matter is a response. It’s not intended to support, it’s intended to silence. And by supporting it, you are indicating that you don’t really believe it.
From Noelle Palmer, a white mother of a black child.
“ When it comes to the issue of systemic racism and police brutality against those with black and brown skin…we as a white collective have no grounds to have an opinion that rejects its reality. Just because we have not experienced it, does not mean it is not a reality. And in fact, the fact we have not experienced it…gives further proof to the reality that it is a racial issue.”
Mister Domestic: of course BLACK LIVES MATTER, and ALL LIVES MATTER, regardless of skin color. But none of us: neither you nor me, have the right to publicly point to another person, in this case a lady and her family company, whom I`ve following for years. you can tell all of humanity what you think we all should do, but you have no right to publicly point out another person to do it. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF BLACK PEOPLE OR PEOPLE OF ANY OTHER SKIN COLOR. But we must defend the rights of EVERYONE.
You coult well have adressed that lady, whom you say you know so much, privately, to give your opinion on the subject. But you DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to name a person publicly as you have.
Your attitude seems to want to “stain” that person publicly. You made me think that your intention ha been very bad and false: first you break down in praises and then crucifies her, in front of many people who you know follow her. Your words are very well crafted to discredit her.
I hope that you are not offended by my rasoning, and instead serve to reconsider before doing something like that again.
This is my humble opinion. I apologize for my bad English.
Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Yes, we do have the right to point to a company who by it’s silence and tone deaf choices are doing harm to others. We absolutely do have the right. And moreover, we have the responsibility.
I admire your passion for justice. However — please do not use the pejorative “Karen,” as you have on Instagram. It is a deeply misogynistic term, and as such, insulting to your primarily female readership and customer base. (“Karen” did not originate as a callout meme on Black Twitter — it originated in 2017 with a Reddit user using the handle “F***_You_Karen,” whose purpose was to publicly humiliate his female ex.) As you (admirably!) pursue justice for POC, please take consciousness not to punch downward with casual misogyny. Thank you!
I’ve stopped using it. Thanks for sharing the origin.
“es, I could have sent this quietly, but frankly I care more about trying to heal the pain you have caused to the Black community than y’all being a little embarrassed.”
I missed it. What pain has they caused? I guess I was in my sewing room – and I’m asking sincerely – but can you link to a situation they caused?
I’m curious as well. Quite curious about why a man who is making money, generating social media influence, and gaining international popularity in the historically predominantly female field of fiber arts has recently spent so many words (some of them misogynistic pejoratives) talking down to women as if we did not know what racism was, or that it still exists, or that it must be fought.
We are adults, Mr. Domestic. The vast majority of us are women. We represent a larger number of countries globally than you are likely aware. For many of us, English is not our first language. It would be helpful if you would bear that in mind, and follow your own ethos of “keep it positive” whilst speaking to us — passionately, convincingly, but respectfully — about needed change.
Or do you perhaps believe that “only rioting and destructiveness bring about positive social change” (a paraphrasing of your own words) to the extent that you feel comfortable using “call-out culture tactics” toward your overwhelmingly female and international audience (i.e., your customers) to inspire them to social action?
That’s too familiar. It’s also punching downward. Please do respect the very real women in your audience as you pursue your social justice goals.
I know this is an older thread, but I feel some of the issues raised are still relevant. A number of people have said that they are withdrawing their support from companies and personalities that do not publicly share the same voice at the same moment as that commenter.
In the time since this thread, you have been quite vocal about asking people to join you in being an anti-racist and to fight against certain injustices in society. You are encouraging people to spend money on causes that are important to you while pointing out that other groups aren’t going far enough or just don’t get it. You speak of researching a point and having discussions to further understanding across various lines.
Yet, it seems like you’re not going back to address issues you’ve brought up, that you’re not doing all of the work, and that your call to drill down into preconceived notions and to truly talk stop as soon as it appears someone isn’t going to completely agree with you. And in agreeing with you, they have to only focus on the issues that matter to you right as of this moment.
In terms of Missouri Star Quilt Company, the company made a statement and pledged money. You prodded them to and they did. Is the company’s actions enough? That’s a question up for much debate. But you haven’t gone back to debate. Aside from a mention in one of your videos about comments on your misogynistic tone, which you refuted, there doesn’t seem to be much talk about your role in creating customers who have now professed themselves to be former MSQC customers because of your letter to MSQC and/or their non-mediation of social media responses. You haven’t gone back to examine what and how the company is doing to promote change. Why are the monetary donations important in terms of furthering or hindering a cause? Is it real action for change or only a PR stunt? Would customers allow them to make missteps along on the way as they try to genuinely (or disingenuously) figure things out? Do the good works the company has done for many communities across the country (remember quilts for cities/communities devasted by hurricanes, floods, fires, etc?) get cancelled out because the company wouldn’t regulate comments left by social media users? You seem to have brought up an issue, tired of it, and moved on. Or maybe it is mission accomplished? If so, I don’t understand the full mission at play here.
Issues have multiple sides and until people try to talk through the sides, as difficult or distasteful or unbelievable or shocking as they may be, we aren’t learning. We’re only making up our minds based on whatever we like/loathe in front of us.
I’ve been thinking about my feelings toward various quilting and sewing personalitites and their social media personas, as well as the social media users who are vocal about their opinions toward others without revisiting their opinions of themselves. I noticed the original comment on Sew Liberated’s post which initially put in “black and brown lives matter” only to quietly delete the “brown” before people focused on it. I find it extremely interesting that people love Tula Pink so much that they push for her to declare her Black Lives Matters support, applaud her for it, then just as easily rush to defend her when someone else pointed out that her mother’s (and business partner’s) I Heart Tula Pink’s Twitter account has shown past support of Trump. When it came to negative comments on someone they liked, supporters’ principles could be surprisingly flexible.
I’ve noticed the same of you. You feel very passionately on certain issues — the ones that touch close to home for you. You have a personal stake in supporting Black Lives Matter. You claim to want to be anti-racist. But do you want to stop hatred and bigotry and inequality towards everyone? Many times now you are drawing readers’ attention to Tamika Mallory. You are supporting her voice. Yes, she does have thought provoking things to bring up regarding the African American experience. She has also been called out many times for her support of anti-Semitic figures. Her past support of and refusal to disavow Louis Farrakhan has been much publicized. It lead to a break for her and other Women’s March founders with the Women’s March organization . I imagine a number of people have brought this to your attention these past few weeks. Yet you continue to highlight Ms. Mallory because her words fit into your current narrative.
To use as example other well-known figures, in the past when Paul Ryan and others have responded to questions about Trump’s remarks with the acknowledgement that those remarks are “textbook racist” and “indefensible,” yet go on to support Trump’s actions, did you feel that they sufficiently disavowed Trump’s actions by talking in circles? When someone is asked to point blank disavow a figure due to that figure’s sustained hateful remarks and that someone dances around the issue and won’t do it, do you think that shows a desire to work on all hatred or just the ones that are convenient to them? If someone were to say, “I don’t agree with many of Trump’s statements. But he’s done a lot for the white community,” so therefore I’ll give him a pass (because that someone is also white), then is that okay? Is your response any different when I say that I substituted Trump’s name for Farrakhan’s and white for black? Is it any diffrent when I point out Farrakhan’s homophobia and thoughts on interracial marriage instead of his anti-Semitism? Are you telling people to be anti-racist but only in the ways that touch them directly? If so, that doesn’t and won’t accomplish fundamental change in society.
Please do point out the instances where Tamika Mallory has shown a change of heart for some of the people she’s previously supported. It’s possible that I’ve missed any work she’s now doing toward stopping hate in its many insidious forms. Or, perhaps such work is not being done. I’ll continue to watch MSQC’s actions or silence, as I will continue to watch your actions or silence.
The conversations some people are having for the first time now are conversations that others have had for decades. If we want real change, then we all need a true desire to listen, to learn, to show compassion, to admit our mistakes while trying not to repeat them. Maybe then there will be a chance that we can move forward with actual change rather than talk about it only while events hold our attention but then forget about them when it’s no longer convenient.
You spent a lot of time here formulating and criticizing my actions. But what have YOU done to help end systemic racism beyond criticizing those that are in the trenches doing the hard work?
Do any of you realize that blm is a marxist organization??? That’s really what you want to support? Have you researched them at all or are you just blindly following along? Have you seen the video of the leaders proudly admitting they are trained marxists? Do you even know what marxisim is?
#walkaway
Spot on!! I am no longer doing business with MSQC as they have forgotten what their business was about. They used to supply tutorials and fabrics/supplies to quilt and crafters. Not, to stand in solidarity with black lives matter. They could have easily expressed an opinion about the Floyd incident, and be done with it, but, Mr Domestic used reverse racial bias to confront and conform. The only thing MSQC was interested in was their company and it’s continued growth, buying Nancy’s, and charging outrageous prices for their product. They don’t care about their customers
The movement and the organization are two separate things. Instead of trying to debunk someone using their voice to enact positive change in ending systemic racism, why don’t you use your superior research skills to see what you can do to be part of the solution.
So upset by this I forgot to add that if you truly want tho help black families, check out the Woodson Center. Real programs, real aide, no BS!
This is what’s happening here. Please read and learn; knowledge is power.
https://unherd.com/2020/01/cast-out-how-knitting-fell-into-a-purity-spiral/
I have no idea what you are expecting MSQC to do. Are you wanting them to fly banners or did you write this to make yourself look great. I am so disappointed in you Mister Domestic.
The very next day, they decided to put out a statement in support of Black people and decided to donate $25000 to social justice organizations every year in perpetuity, neither of which they were planning to do. So what specifically are you disappointed in? That I used my platform to enact positive change that you might not agree with or that I used my platform to help the Black Community?
Thank you for saying this.. as a young POC, sewer crafter, quilter, crocheter I have been struggling… and I find myself the minority doubled over… I don’t see many that look like me in a field I enjoy so much but furthermore to see the companies I support with my hard earned money not reach out to me in a time of need and pain is even more hurtful.