Gems of Cincinnati’s West End

About the Book

This project began with my decision to interview and/or read about 100 alumni and/or their parents who were educated in those inner city Catholic schools between 1940-1970. Their personal stories are at the core of this narrative that details the Catholic church’s impact on their lives. In addition, I wanted to write about the collaborative efforts of the members of the many religious orders and lay ministers who were instrumental in creating a disciplined, supportive and productive learning environment.

About the Author

LaVerne Summerlin is an African American Professor of English at the University of Cincinnati. There, she has been the recipient of a number of awards including the A.B. Dolly Cohen Award for Teaching Excellence. She was educated in Catholic schools in the neighborhood which has been designated by some historians as Cincinnati’s first ghetto.