Your Next Must-Read: Books Written by Black Women from Cincinnati

Covers of books written by Black women
 

This list began with a simple question that came to me one evening after reading about the protests in Cincinnati sparked by the death of George Floyd. As the wave of peaceful protesters marched down the historic streets of our city, the question emerged, “What do I know about the history of Black people in Cincinnati?” The answer was a resounding, “Almost nothing.” 

High school history classes around the country are profoundly guilty of excluding Black history, but that’s not an excuse for me to go about my community without understanding the long history of Black people in Cincinnati and how they transformed our community. 

Black people should not bear the brunt of educating non-Black people; we need to actively seek out these resources ourselves. 

This list is just the tip of the iceberg, there is a bevy of outstanding Black literature out there. Put your money where your mouth is, use the power of your pocketbook, re-educate yourself and your children, and support these local authors. 

Introduction written by Olivia Taylor. Researched by Kristyn Bridges and Olivia Taylor.

Nonfiction literature and poetry

Fiction literature 

Children’s and young adult literature 

Know of a book you think should be on this list? Add it here!

Arts + Culture, July 2020, Around TownWomen of Cincy StaffCommunity Mix, Celebrate Black Stories