E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.

Throughout this semester and next, Brookdale community members are stitching together a giant metaphor. The Democracy Quilt Project spearheaded by English Professor Elana Maloney is a model of democracy, bringing together many people to create one voice, or in this case, quilt.

On Oct. 23, about a dozen students and faculty came together in the Wellness Center to work on individual quilt squares with inspiring messages each participant chose ranging from things like Be Ambitious to Long Live the Republic.

A hands-on project, the activity encourages reflection on civic engagement and community unity. Maloney guides each participant through the process from choosing a saying to learning how to sew, all the while symbolizing hope, freedom, and the power of collective action.

On Thursday, Professor Debbie Mura brought a journalism class to participate in the activity along with a few other attendees.

According to Maloney, toward the end of the spring semester, the squares will be joined into a quilt, which will be displayed in recognition of the country’s 250th birthday.

For more information about upcoming sessions where you could create your own quilt square, email [email protected]