An exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center is sharing the history and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, while promoting literacy.
“Home” is on display at the Children’s Museum inside Union Terminal.
Latoya Turner, Founder of Brown Hands Literacy, is behind the exhibit.
In it, you’ll find copies of her books that share the importance of higher education and HBCUs and promote reading among youth.
She said having her work on display at the museum, especially during Black History Month, is special to her.
“To have my work inside of that area that highlights literacy is super important because kids need to see someone who looks like them,” Turner explained. “When they see someone who looks like them, and they feel represented, it makes kids want to be more excited about reading.”
Turner is a graduate of Central State University, an HBCU in Ohio. She frequently collaborates with fellow alum, Christian Drye, who is an artist in Cincinnati.
“I hope they get the message that it’s okay to be yourself,” Drye explained when asked about his artwork included in the display.
He added, “You are enough. The world needs you. And the world needs you to be creative. The world needs you to be black and proud and showcase that to the world.”
Turner also has a film on Amazon Prime Video that shares the history of HBCUs.
The exhibit will be on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center until June 2025.