Barbara Neely facts for kids

Barbara Ann Neely (born November 30, 1941 – died March 2, 2020) was an African-American writer. She wrote exciting mystery novels and short stories. She was also a dedicated activist.

Her most famous character is Blanche White. Blanche is a middle-aged mother and a domestic worker. She also solves mysteries as an amateur detective. Barbara Neely's first book, Blanche on the Lam, came out in 1992. The Mystery Writers of America honored her as their 2020 Grand Master. This is a very special award for mystery writers.

About Barbara Neely

Her Early Life and School

Barbara Neely was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1941. She was the oldest of three children. Her family lived in a rural community in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

She went to a Roman Catholic elementary school. Barbara was the only African-American student there. She was also the only child who spoke English fluently. Most of her classmates spoke a German dialect. In 1971, she earned a master's degree. She studied Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Pittsburgh.

Her Work as an Activist

After college, Barbara Neely became very involved in helping her community. She created a special housing program in Pittsburgh. This program helped women who had been in prison. It was the first program of its kind in Pennsylvania.

In 1978, she felt inspired to do even more. She started writing fiction. Her first short story, "Passing the Word," was published in Essence magazine. Neely moved to North Carolina. She wrote for Southern Exposure. She also produced shows for the African News Service.

Her activism continued in many ways. She directed a YWCA branch. She worked with Head Start programs. She also co-founded Women of Color for Reproductive Freedom. She even hosted a radio show called Commonwealth Journal.

Her Books and Writing

Barbara Neely's first short story, "Passing the Word," was published in 1981. Her popular Blanche White mystery novels started appearing ten years later. The first one was Blanche on the Lam (1992). Other books in the series include Blanche Among the Talented Tenth (1994), Blanche Cleans Up (1998), and Blanche Passes Go (2000).

Blanche White is a unique hero. She is a strong, dark-skinned Black woman. She works as a maid. Blanche is proud of her job. She is also very independent. This makes her different from many typical book characters. Blanche is also very curious. She is good at putting clues together to solve mysteries.

Her Passing

Barbara Neely passed away on March 2, 2020. She was 78 years old. She died after a short illness.

Barbara Neely's Writing Style

Barbara Neely enjoyed many authors. But Toni Morrison was her biggest inspiration. Neely wanted to write about the experiences of Black women. She wanted to tell stories about everyday people, just like Morrison did.

Her Blanche White stories are more than just mysteries. They also talk about important social issues. These include violence against women, racism, and sexism. Neely once said that being a "feminist mystery writer" means more than just creating strong women.

Barbara Neely wanted her books to be funny. She also wanted them to explore race and class in America. Blanche's charming personality helps Neely share her messages. Blanche's detective work often shows different ways of looking at the world.

Neely's writing shows her strong beliefs about society. Her down-to-earth style comes from her activism. She was very committed to fighting for justice.

Awards and Honors

Barbara Neely won several awards for her first novel, Blanche on the Lam:

• The Agatha Award for best first novel (1992).
• An Anthony Award for best first novel (1993).
• The Go on Girl! Award from the Black Women's Reading Club.
• A Macavity Award for best first mystery novel (1993).

She also won awards for her activism. These include the "Community Works Social Action Award" and the "Fighting for Women's Voices Award."

In December 2019, the Mystery Writers of America gave her their highest honor. They named her their 2020 Grand Master. Sadly, she passed away less than two months before the award ceremony. One year later, the Mystery Writers of America started a scholarship program in her name. It helps Black crime fiction writers.