Auntie Sewing Squad Guide to Mask Making, Radical Care, and Racial Justice

The Auntie Sewing Squad was a group of volunteers who sewed face masks and provided free masks to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were founded by performance artist Kristina Wong and were mostly Asian American women. The group provided masks to asylum seekers, Indigenous communities, incarcerated people, farmworkers, and others disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. They also supported and supplied Black Lives Matter protesters and organizations serving Black communities. The Auntie Sewing Squad is a quirky, fast-moving, and adaptive mutual-aid group that speaks back to the history of exploited immigrant labor and enacts an intersectional commitment to public health for all.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

In the face of the US government's failure to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkable community of volunteers known as the Auntie Sewing Squad emerged. Founded by performance artist Kristina Wong, this collective of sewers set out on a mission to protect the most vulnerable and neglected members of society. Their efforts resulted in the production of thousands of face masks, distributed to asylum seekers, Indigenous communities, incarcerated individuals, farmworkers, and many others who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The Auntie Sewing Squad Guide to Mask Making, Radical Care, and Racial Justice, a book written and edited entirely by Aunties themselves, tells the inspiring story of this community. As the pandemic unfolded, hate crimes against Asian Americans surged, creating a climate of fear and despair. In response, a group of predominantly Asian American women, affectionately known as Aunties, came together online, gaining momentum and sewing masks at home by the thousands. Their selfless acts of kindness and solidarity not only addressed an urgent public health need but also expressed a deep sense of care and political action during a time of social upheaval.

The Auntie Sewing Squad is a unique and dynamic mutual-aid group, characterized by its quirky nature, swift actions, and adaptability. Led primarily by women of color, the group includes individuals who learned to sew from their mothers and grandmothers, who had worked in sweatshops or as survival skills. Their collective expertise and dedication made it possible to meet the overwhelming demand for masks, providing a much-needed resource to those in need.

Beyond their mask-making efforts, the Auntie Sewing Squad extended their support to various social justice movements. They rallied behind Black Lives Matter protesters and organizations serving Black communities, standing in solidarity with their fight against police violence and systemic racism. Their commitment to social justice and their willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need have earned them widespread admiration and respect.

The Auntie Sewing Squad's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of communities in times of crisis. It highlights the importance of coming together, pooling resources, and using our skills and talents to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Their selfless acts of kindness and solidarity have not only helped to protect the health and well-being of individuals but have also sparked a sense of hope and unity in a time of great uncertainty.

As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Auntie Sewing Squad's example serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can come together as a community and make a difference. We can use our skills and resources to support those who are most vulnerable and to advocate for social justice and equality. Let us continue to be inspired by the remarkable work of the Auntie Sewing Squad and to build upon their legacy of kindness and solidarity.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 203 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520384002