Features

Giving Voices to Cincinnatians

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Mark Curnutte, former Social Justice reporter with the Cincinnati Enquirerpartnered with UC Press to publish his book, Across the Color Line.

Curnutte visited UC Blue Ash Feb. 26 to give a lecture on his book which reflects his 25 years of experience reporting in Cincinnati with a focus on race and inequality. 

Curnutte shared with the audience that his interests all began when he started with the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1993 and was given an assignment in race relations. He realized that poverty, violence, economic inequality, and policing issues still exist in Cincinnati. 

During the lecture, he described his experiences and shared how honored he feels to be entrusted with hundreds of peoples’ stories. “I have gone into communities and recorded tales of tragedy and triumph,” said Curnutte. “Faces and experiences that differ from our own still matter.”

Across the Color Line was the tenth book published by UC Press, according to Elizabeth Scarpelli, Publishing Services Director. She worked closely with Curnutte during the process and says she is honored he chose UC Press as his publisher. 

Curnutte currently works at Miami University as a full-time sociology professor. He loves encouraging his students to share their stories with him, and he acknowledges his own “privileges” that have helped him get where he is today. 

He applauds UC’s partnership with CPS that helps cultivate the talent that “non-traditional” students have that goes unrecognized. Many of these students may have challenges with resources for college and university funding. He says schools like UC and Cincinnati State are making strides towards allowing these students to obtain their degrees without struggling with the financial burdens.

Curnutte encourages those in the Cincinnati area to “notice the people around you.” We should do what he calls “human things” and support everyone, give them a smile, notice when they are struggling. In order to promote inclusion, we must work on small ways we can improve our worlds. 

Buy his book here at UC Press and learn more about his experiences as a reporter in Cincinnati.

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