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Eighty-four-year-old Reginald Petty is known for his expertise, passion and longevity in the areas of civil rights, community activism and historical preservation. His wife, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and celebrated fabric artist Edna Patterson-Petty, is widely recognized for her art and art therapy, which she uses to compliment her husband’s work, add to civil discourse and uplift, stimulate and empower. 

The East St. Louis duo was featured during “Sitting at the Feet of an Elder” on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Lovejoy Library’s Friends Corner on the SIUE campus. 

Petty spoke about his experiences while working for peace and justice in the St. Louis region and abroad. Among Petty’s various roles, he served as Peace Corps director in Africa from 1966-1983. He was also a consultant to several U.S. presidents on vocational and technical training, and consultant for federal agencies, foreign governments, the United Nations and other national and international organizations. 

Patterson-Petty has enjoyed artistic fame across the globe. Her quilt, “Road to Redemption,” was featured at the Presidential Inaugural Display honoring President Barack Obama. Her art quilts have been exhibited in galleries nationally and internationally. Specifically, her work has taken her to Senegal, Canada, Germany and China. Edna’s art quilts have been published in numerous books and catalogues, and on a few occasions, been on book covers. Most recently, Patterson-Petty’s exhibition, “Rendered Designs,” was on display at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). 

During their discussion, the couple also noted the exploits of African Americans, mostly from East St. Louis. 

“I know of at least 14 millionaires from East St. Louis, and they don’t know each other,” said Petty. “The talent that has come out of East St. Louis is almost immeasurable and spreads around the globe. There remains precious treasure in East St. Louis that needs to be cultivated.” 

The Petty’s chatted about the way things were for African Americans in East St. Louis and across the country, and how people worked to make improvements. 

“We need more education to give a positive image of black people and of self,” said Petty. “Because unfortunately, I’m now seeing some negative self-image among blacks.”

“If you don’t have the inner strength and support from others, your self-esteem may not develop,” said Patterson-Petty. “It’s important that we start as early as possible with children to develop their self-esteem, and art therapy can help with that.” 

The event was hosted by the SIUE Black Studies Program. 

For a complete list of Black Heritage Month events, visit Black and Unified. 

Photos:
Husband and wife team Reginald Petty and Edna Patterson-Petty share their knowledge during “Sitting at the Feet of an Elder” on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Lovejoy Library’s Friends Corner on the SIUE campus.