Dream Of A Latino Textile Cooperative In Western North Carolina
It is a sunny spring Saturday in western North Carolina, one of those days when the best local plan is to hike to a waterfall or climb to the top of a mountain.
But inside this windowless room, with high ceilings and bright fluorescent lights, the scene is different: the sound of sewing machines, fabric being cut and several Latina women listening closely to their sewing instructor.
They have been in class since 9 a.m. and will stay until 5 p.m. They also attend classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. They are part of the Intensive Industrial Sewing Workshop, a popular education initiative by Poder Emma.