Thank you to our Quilt partners for hosting this statewide display. Click on the organization name to visit its display or scroll down to view all the Quilt displays. Each Quilt display has the corresponding block numbers and the thumbnail images can be enlarged by clicking on them for a closer look at the details of the panels. A curated story is provided by each Quilt host, linking to their organization website to learn more about their work in the community. See the full list of displays by state and territory.
Display Hosts: Woodlawn Methodist Church Birmingham • West Alabama AIDS Outreach
Display Host: Woodlawn Methodist Church Birmingham - In 2017, Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Birmingham displayed eight blocks of the AIDS Quilt. Part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, Woodlawn UMC pastor Emily Freeman Penfield at the time praised those who have sacrificed for AIDS/HIV patients over the years, saying, “United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries and other groups work for the full participation of all people in the United Methodist Church. AIDS doesn’t just affect the person who is sick, it affects the caregivers, family members and friends – an entire community. Sponsoring this display is a way to honor all of them.” Church member and administrative assistant Jan Conway’s son Michael died from AIDS in 1988, she and her daughters memorialized him with a block in the AIDS Memorial Quilt. “When I see my son’s panel, it’s almost like I see him again. It’s very difficult to put into words what this quilt represents. I want to run and kiss it and kiss him. It’s an extremely emotional thing.” Michael's panel can be seen on block 2218.
Display Host: West Alabama AIDS Outreach - West Alabama AIDS Outreach (now Five Horizons) hosted a display of the AIDS Quilt in 2015. Two of the panels on display were of Red Bay native Steven Mann [Block 3107] and Tuscaloosa native Mac Dunnam [Block 4089]. According to a local news article from WBRC Dunnam's mother, Scarlett, said he died of AIDS in 1994. She visited Washington, D.C. to see her son's quilt and is happy to see it in Tuscaloosa. "AIDS was awful back then and it's still with us today. And, we just need to do everything we can to make people aware. Make them realize the loss we had and the losses we still can have if they're not treating it the right way." WAAO's name changed to Five Horizons Health Services in 2018. The clinic treats about 200 clients who are HIV-positive and offers prevention services for as many as 8,000 people. The clinic also administers about 800 tests for sexually transmitted diseases or infections annually. Other names that appear in this display include tennis legend Arthur Ashe and AIDS activist Ryan White.
INTERACTIVE AIDS QUILT
Search the AIDS Memorial Quilt, view each panel, search for a friend or loved one and share
your story through our social media channels - learn more
HISTORY OF THE QUILT
Conceived in 1985 by long-time San Francisco gay rights activist Cleve Jones - learn more
REFLECTIONS FROM CLEVE
Conceived in 1985 by long-time San Francisco gay rights activist Cleve Jones- watch the video
2020/40 STORIES
Memories of individuals who died of AIDS, stories of survivors and caregivers and advocates, and the broader story of the AIDS epidemic - learn more
SUPPORT THE MEMORIAL
Our vision is that never again will a community be harmed because of fear, silence, discrimination, or stigma. - Donate now
WORLD AIDS DAY
Powerful voices from AIDS and Covid-19 pandemics. Remembering lost loved ones and celebrating their lives - event details