A Grandmother and an Aunt Working on a Quilt Panel

This podcast was researched, written and produced by Molly Armstrong-Paschal, sharing the story of Michael William Koza, whose Grandmother and Aunt made this Quilt panel in his memory.

The podcast reveals a touching story of  Michael, his laughter, his love for margaritas, music and travel.  The podcast was made as part of a collaboration between the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the Literary Journal of SCAD Atlanta, with each segment written and produced by SCAD-Atlanta Writing students. 



His grandmother, sister and family made the panel in his memory so nobody every forgot him.   But they did so much more, working throughout their lives to raise awareness and raise funds for AIDS the illness that took his life.  They held fundraisers and gatherings they named “Margaritas for Mike” as a way to celebrate and look forward.  He had a fondness for the drink, but it was more than that, it was his love for friendship, family, laughing, adventure and always looking forward, not back.

“Oh Michael, I miss you so much.”

– Grandmother Barbara

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the fear, stigma and discrimination. We share the stories of hope, courage, compassion, and love.  And, we bring to light the harsh reality that four decades later, there is no cure and the rates of infection are on the rise, particularly in communities of color.

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