Artist In Remembrance:
The Late Margareit Millentree Jackson
Sponsored by the Lafayette County Juneteenth Foundation
2022 Lafayette County Juneteenth Celebration
I was recently asked how crafts have anything to do with Juneteenth. That was a great question. I always believed that it did because of seeing articles related to quilting, making instruments, etc. This question piqued my interest to explain that connection further. I found a book in my personal library. Author John Michael Vlach, known as “America's foremost scholar of African-American folklife,” has written on the topic. His book, By The Work Of Their Hands covers that subject. I started reading the copy and can't put it down.
African Americans have been credited for their influence in the area of the performing arts and athletics, etc. Earlier scholars for more than hundred years wrote that African-Americans were “the one group that had lost its entire indigenous culture.” This means that the enslaved African had no recognition of life from the African country. Vlach wrote that there are eight areas of material expression that were picked from the area of art and craft. These eight areas are basketry, musical instruments, ironwork, boatbuilding, pottery, textiles, wood carving, and grave decoration. He took each area and showed its “earliest known forms and then to followed subsequent developments chronologically.” He wrote that it is difficult to separate African-American artifacts from similar ones used and made by Whites. Vlach does not deny a European American influence in artifacts, but writes that we should seek to always find the African influences. He provided evidence of African influences in each of the eight art and craft areas.
I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with one very creative art and craft person, the late Margareit Millentree Jackson. She delightfully shared the various crafts that she made, gave away, and sold. She made dolls, angels, and did a lot of paper mache. She talked about growing up in poverty and encouraged young people to save their money. She said, at one point, looking at some of her items, “Everything is a bank!” Margareit fondly shared about her closeness to the Ike Skelton family and that she worked for them even in Washington D.C when he was a U.S. House of Representative.
Margareit decided to display and sell her products at the 2006 Juneteenth Celebration hosted in Higginsville, MO. She died on April 25, 2007. She has many family members and friends that cherish her memory, especially her daughter, Doris Williams and son, Michael Jackson. Micheal shared some of the primary resources about his mother. Miss Margareit was the daughter of Lucy Olden and Richard Millentree and was born on February 17, 1923 in Lexington, MO. She was a long time leader in her church, the Second Baptist Church in Lexington, MO.
Our Event
You are highly encouraged to attend an activity that is hands on, meaning you get to try learning a new art and craft by some seasoned artisans. You will hear some hobbyists share what they are doing and display their work. Bring non-breakable items that you have made for “show and tell.” There will be some special items for you. We will also discuss if art and crafts benefit our mental health!
Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the P&H Center, 1111 Main Street, Lexington, MO
1 PM - Artist in Remembrance, Margareit Jackson – Mrs. Jackson was known for her crafts, working for the Ike Skelton family when he was in Washington as our House of Representative, etc.. Mrs. Jackson displayed her crafts during a past Juneteenth Celebration. Carol Hannon, a relative of Mrs. Jackson, will provide some special insights. On display, will be items made by Mrs. Jackson.
Belinda Rowe, instructor and Christine Cook, Missouri Artisans, will teach how to twine and crochet. This is a participant activity. Yarn and hooks are provided and they are willing to show others how to start crocheting. If you have crocheted an item, bring it to “show and tell.”
Ora Mae Williams and Doris and Pamela Graham, crafters -Arts and Craft display – Ora, Doris and Pamela will talk and share examples of their work. They enjoy in doing crafts for holidays and throughout the year.
Martha Bird’s Quilting Class display -Martha will display some quilts and discuss how she helps others learn to quilt. Bring something that you have made for “show and tell.”
"Everything is a bank!" Margareit Jackson
For more information about this activity, call Linda Smith at 816-456-6654. Check out the Lafayette County Juneteenth Foundation at their Facebook page and http: lafayettecountyjuneteenth.blogspot.com Check out our event page on Facebook! Everyone is welcome.
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