Programs / The Quilt
The Quilt
A Living History of African American Music
An award-winning educational film set at San Antonio’s historic Carver Community Cultural Center, where an aunt and niece explore African American music history.
About the Film
Aunt Cynthia, a music history buff, helps her niece Lauren learn about the music genres that were born and formed by African American history and culture. They cover a wide breadth, all the way from the times of slavery, to Negro Spirituals, Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, the Harlem Renaissance, Gospel, the Civil Rights movement, Soul and R&B, and Hip Hop. Cynthia works to inspire Lauren’s curiosity about these periods of history by continuously making it relevant to the music, and uses the layers of a quilt to explain how music of the past connects to the contemporary music that Lauren is most familiar with. By the end of the film, Lauren feels more empowered by the generational connections of music and culture she has learned.
This educational documentary for children and adults is produced by Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW), a performing arts nonprofit in San Antonio, TX.
Where to Watch
Streaming & Local Broadcast
Live in Texas? You can watch online or on your local broadcast station.
Attend a Public Screening
Catch a public screening of the film or Quilt-related events near you.
Host a Screening
Host your own screening of the film at your business, class, church, or other community group!
Finished your screening and need to submit your event data? Click here.
What People Are Saying
The narrators are engaging and really keep the story moving forward. The director’s use of various media tools, i.e., graphics, paintings, and photographs interspersed with the actual performances and clips of musical icons took us on an inspirational journey with historical and modern-day connections. This is an intergenerational film relatable to both young and old.
In the News
“The Quilt” Debuts on PBS Texas – February 2026
“The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music”, the educational documentary for children and adults produced by Musical Bridges Around the World, will make its PBS debut the week of 15 February 2026 on all 10 PBS Texas member stations and streaming on PBS...
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Cast & Crew

Julya Jara
Director, Producer, Editor

Cynthia Freeman Gibbs
Actress & Screenwriter

Lauren Anya Jwahir Hunter
Actress

Tanesha Payne
Dance

Veronica Williams
Mezzo-soprano

Michael Sumuel
Bass-baritone

Marc “Mockingbird” Smith
Voice & Guitar

Ron Wilkins
Trombocalist (Trombone & Vocals)

Aaron Prado, DMA
Piano, Composer

Arlington Jones
Piano

Brandon Rivas
Bass

Johnathan Alexander
Percussion

Beverly Houston & Breezin'
Vocals (with band)

Andrea Vocab Sanderson
Vocals, Poetry
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