It must be noted that, like any new area of research, the theory of quilt codes is not without controversy. Because any code which has survived has, most likely, been passed from generation to generation only orally, some historians have raised a skeptical brow. Historian and author Dr. Charles Blockson, curator of African-American books and artifacts at TempleUniversity, expressed some reservation when asked about quilt codes. There is no way they'd be walking around publicizing the fact that they'd helped slaves escape, so much of this information is suppressed and that's understandable. It's a bias that a lot of people have toward things that are written down . . .
Quilts are a form of writing, too.
But this particular experience of Raymond and Jackie is the first example that we know of a valid account that takes it out of that realm. I definitely believe in Ozella Williams' account. However, because improvisational techniques are such a big part of the aesthetic, I knew there was the possibility that slaves altered patterns to give them new meanings. Despite the academic debate, excitement continues to build within African-American quilt guilds in the area. Formed in 1994, the group is currently on exhibition at Gloucester County College.