Alabama
Kim V. Kelly is a native of Chicago. Her maternal roots are New Orleans and paternal roots are in Wilcox County Alabama - home to the Gee's Bend Quilters. Her father left this rural community after returning from World War II. He became a pharmacist, the family bought a drug store on the west side of Chicago and lived a life not possible in segregated Alabama of the time.
From a young age Kim was taught the importance of service which she carried into her professional life. She graduated from the University of Denver and the Sturm College of Law with her Masters in Judicial Administration.
Throughout her career as a court administrator, she had significant influence on improvements in and efficiencies of court business processes which have been replicated in court systems throughout the country. Kim has used her legal and business background to positively impact the rural enclaves of Alberta and Gee's Bend Alabama. Her volunteer work has helped to revitalize the original Freedom Quilting Bee as a 501c3 non-profit which now provides this small and significant community the access that the community, fans, historians and artists have longed for.
The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy (Legacy) is the successor organization to the original Freedom Quilting Bee (Bee) formed in 1966. The Legacy operates from the 4200 square foot facility built and used for the manufacture of quilts for Sears, Bloomingdales and other American retail giants. Kim serves as the Executive Director of the Legacy and implements the Board approved initiatives to the benefit of the County Road 29 community.
Kim will continue her work in this community on behalf of her ancestors who believed in her abilities and taught her the importance of family and community.
LE01 - County Road 29: Fifteen Miles in Rural Alabama That Changed the World
Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Eastern time