Creating Crossword Puzzles to Showcase Black Heritage

Juliana Pache, inspired by a crossword puzzle clue she couldn’t relate to, decided to create puzzles that reflected her own identity and interests. In January 2023, she launched blackcrossword.com, providing a free mini crossword daily. Her newly released book, “Black Crossword: 100 Mini Puzzles Celebrating the African Diaspora,” aims to incorporate more Black history and culture into the puzzle landscape.

Pache’s puzzles emphasize connections to Black culture, with at least three clues per puzzle referencing various aspects of Black communities worldwide. Her goal is to create puzzles that Black people can enjoy while also educating others about Black cultures. By showcasing the diversity within Black communities, she hopes to encourage learning and appreciation among different parts of the African diaspora.

Michelle Pera-McGhee, a data journalist at The Pudding, highlights the importance of the knowledge base required for crosswords in shaping perceptions of what is considered “general” or “universal” knowledge. Analyzing crosswords over the decades revealed biases towards featuring more white individuals and men compared to women and minorities. Efforts are being made to address this lack of representation, such as the fellowship for puzzle constructors from underrepresented groups at The New York Times.

The push for more inclusive crossword puzzles reflects a broader movement towards diversifying puzzle content to cater to a wider audience. Pache’s work stands as an example of how puzzles can both entertain and educate, offering opportunities for all players to expand their knowledge and cultural awareness.