Learn why weaving is essential to community belonging from Legacy Weavers: Christine Rose and Gwen Morris

As Fresno DRIVE is amid the Weaver Awards application process, we are highlighting the work of two of our Legacy Weavers: Christine Rose and Gwen Morris. As community advisors, Christine and Gwen will be instrumental to the Weaver Awards review process and share their insights on why weaving is imperative to community building, fostering meaningful relationships and the overall strengthening of our communities. Furthermore, the Weavers Awards selection process is unique in that it allows for community input in Fresno DRIVE’s recognition of weavers.

Christine Rose

What does weaving mean to you?

To me, weaving is the act of bringing experiences, stories and people together in a way that reminds us how beautifully connected we all are. Each layer of our existence strengthens the fabric of our community, leading to more compassion and collective resilience. 

What inspired you to found maarte.?

I founded maarte. because I wanted to create the kind of space I had been searching for, growing up and now as an adult. Curated from the heart of a Filipina American, this space weaves together creativity, culture, wellness and community. Along my life journey, I've learned healing happens more easily when people feel seen, welcomed and invited to show up as themselves, so I created a hub for that. 

How has opening maarte. influenced your opinion on the importance of inclusion efforts? 

Inclusion was one of the main reasons this studio was created. Now, in its second year, every day I am reminded of my belief that inclusion does not happen by accident. It requires intention, mindful and thoughtful partnerships and a willingness to show people they truly belong.

What are you hoping to see come to fruition to strengthen community connections thanks to the Weaver Award microgrants?

I hope the Weaver Award microgrants create more opportunities to collaborate across cultures, neighborhoods and creative practices. When organizations are supported in bringing people together through meaningful experiences, their impact extends far beyond a single event — it builds lasting relationships and a stronger sense of community.

Gwen Morris

What does weaving mean to you? 

A weaver is someone who intentionally connects people and resources, an artisan of relations who creates opportunities and builds relationships by stitching together networks, knowledge and local assets. 

What is the inspiration behind SJV (San Joaquin Valley) Black Communications Network?

Fifty years ago, when Retired Sergeant Jack A. Kelley, Dr. Henry Hendrix, Dolphas Trotter, Al Boutte, Jessie McDonald, Phyllis Phillips, and Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, along with others, established the African American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley, the purpose was to develop an avenue where we could preserve the Black history of the Valley by creating a space for our history to be recorded and stored. To fulfill that vision, we need to be intentional about connecting our communities and capturing, not only yesterday but today and tomorrow to fully recognize the contributions of Black Americans to this region.

How has the SJV Expo program elevated Black voices and fostered community connectivity? 

For the past six years, the Black Expo has facilitated collaborations, created educational opportunities and provided exposure to data that demonstrates community success. The Expo connects students with community advisors and educators to share available Central Valley opportunities with a major focus on recruitment to Fresno State. For more information, please visit www.sjvbcn.com. 

In regard to your work, what are you hoping to see materialize to strengthen community connections thanks to the Weaver Award microgrants?  

The weaver microgrant program will catalyze lasting community connections, which I hope will preserve Black history, fund documentation and archival projects to capture local stories and events, promote visibility and expand the communications network for Black families in the Valley.

It can also facilitate:  

• Supporting grassroots, cultural programming and public events that amplify Black voices and heritage

• Funding documentation and archival projects to capture local Black histories including oral histories, digitization and exhibits 

• Increasing participation in cultural and educational programming across demographic groups and neighborhoods 

• Completing archival materials or exhibits documenting local Black histories and contributions