Illustration by Coral Díaz & Noelle Artigue

The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music

In the setting of the historic Carver Center in San Antonio, Texas, an aunt and her niece explore the history of African American music!

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.

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News & Reviews

Quilt Cast

Awards

Merchandise

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How To Watch

Watch on Streaming/Local Broadcast

Live in Texas? You can watch online or local broadcast starting 15 February 2026.

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News

“The Quilt” Debuts on PBS Texas – February 2026

“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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Reviews

“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.”

Linda Eaddy
Director, Denton Black Film Festival

“What a terrific documentary! This is exactly the type of film that our KIDS FIRST! Film Festival venue partner love. Educational and entertaining! Ever wonder about how African American music evolved? The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music provides an entertaining and engaging way to learn about the history and influence of Black music.”

Pamela L. and Julie S.
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival

“Great reminder of how many wonderful African American artists there are.”

Anonymous Viewer
2024 Music Stand Arts Festival (TX)

“I thought it was good how she [Cynthia] explained the music, showed examples, and took you through the journey. The following day, I went to see Herbie Hancock and was able to apply what she talked about to the event.”

Anonymous Member
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

    “After having had the chance to watch, I have no doubt ‘The Quilt’ will only have continued success in distribution and beyond. The art and craft of storytelling on display is outstanding, the production values are so strong and the subject at heart is clearly imperative. Congratulations to Musical Bridges Around the World and to all of our wonderful San Antonio cast and crew involved!”

    Kimberly LeBlanc
    Film Commissioner & Music Program Manager, City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture

      “It was an amazing film and very interesting to learn about the history of Black music, how it has built upon itself to morph and change throughout time.”

      Will Jackson
      BOLD Socials Events Committee Lead, H-E-B

        “I had a lump in my throat the entire time and was moved to tears. Everything from the content to production set the perfect tone. Much of the music was from my own youth and brought back memories of experiences and dancing alone in my room to the radio.”

        Francesca Rattray
        Chief Executive Officer, YWCA San Antonio

          Cast & Crew

          Julya Jara

          Julya Jara

          Director, Producer, Editor

          Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

          Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

          Actress & Screenwriter

          Lauren Anya Jwahir Hunter

          Lauren Anya Jwahir Hunter

          Actress

          Tanesha Payne

          Tanesha Payne

          Dance

          Veronica Williams

          Veronica Williams

          Mezzo-soprano

          Michael Sumuel

          Michael Sumuel

          Bass-baritone

          Marc "Mockingbird" Smith

          Marc "Mockingbird" Smith

          Voice & Guitar

          Ron Wilkins

          Ron Wilkins

          Trombocalist (Trombone & Vocals)

          Aaron Prado, DMA

          Aaron Prado, DMA

          Piano, Composer

          Arlington Jones

          Arlington Jones

          Piano

          Brandon Rivas

          Brandon Rivas

          Bass

          Johnathan Alexander

          Johnathan Alexander

          Percussion

          Beverly Houston & Breezin'

          Beverly Houston & Breezin'

          Vocals (with band)

          Andrea Vocab Sanderson

          Andrea Vocab Sanderson

          Vocals, Poetry

          Julya Jara

          Julya Jara

          Director, Producer, Editor

          Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

          Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

          Actress & Screenwriter

          Lauren Anya Jwahir Hunter

          Lauren Anya Jwahir Hunter

          Actress

          Tanesha Payne

          Tanesha Payne

          Dance

          Veronica Williams

          Veronica Williams

          Mezzo-soprano

          Michael Sumuel

          Michael Sumuel

          Bass-baritone

          Marc "Mockingbird" Smith

          Marc "Mockingbird" Smith

          Voice & Guitar

          Ron Wilkins

          Ron Wilkins

          Trombocalist (Trombone & Vocals)

          Aaron Prado, DMA

          Aaron Prado, DMA

          Piano, Composer

          Arlington Jones

          Arlington Jones

          Piano

          Brandon Rivas

          Brandon Rivas

          Bass

          Johnathan Alexander

          Johnathan Alexander

          Percussion

          Beverly Houston & Breezin'

          Beverly Houston & Breezin'

          Vocals (with band)

          Andrea Vocab Sanderson

          Andrea Vocab Sanderson

          Vocals, Poetry

          Festival Selections & Awards

          Film Sponsors & Partners

          Quilt Merchandise

          Get yourself some “Quilt” merch featuring the graphics designed specifically for the film by artists Coral Díaz and Noelle Artigue! All purchases support Musical Bridges Around the World’s nonprofit programs and operations.