Library seeking civil rights essays for inclusion in ‘Our Cincinnati’ project

The struggle to transform the powerful promise of civil rights into everyday reality for all individuals in our community is real and ongoing. Hamilton County residents are invited to share personal stories for inclusion in the third and final phase of Our Cincinnati, Then and Now: the Continuing Story of Civil Rights.

Hamilton County residents are asked to write about their experiences in the struggle for civil rights in their community. The stories may become part of a published book that celebrates civil rights struggles and milestones of success.

The submission guidelines are as follows:

  • Authors are limited to one entry.
  • The submitted work must be original content and be unpublished in any public medium.
  • Entries must be suitable for a general audience.
  • Entries are limited to 1,000 words. If submission is part of a larger work, please limit submission to an excerpt.
  • Entries will be judged on voice, style, cohesiveness and the ability to engage readers.
  • Entries may be edited.
  • Independent panelists will determine which entries will be included in the book.
  • Participation in Our Cincinnati is not a guarantee your work will appear online or in the published book.
  • Entries that are not in compliance with these rules are subject to disqualification.
  • The Library is not responsible for entries not received.

All entries must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. By submitting your work to Our Cincinnati, authors grant the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County the right to use their name, creative work and photograph without recourse.

For more information about Our Cincinnati, Then and Now: the Continuing Story of Civil Rights, call 513-369-6900, e-mail Larry.Richmond@CincinnatiLibrary.org or visit CincinnatiLibrary.org.