Beloved: A Communal Exploration of Toni Morrison’s Award-winning Novel Series

Date

February 20, 2026

Organizer

Ramona Payne

Location

Hybrid

About

Beloved: A Communal Exploration is a hybrid multi-session reading and discussion series focused on Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved. While many readers are familiar with the book, some find it challenging and welcome the opportunity to read it at a slower pace within a supportive group setting. This series creates space for reflection, shared insight, and conversation about both the brilliance of Morrison’s writing and what the novel means to readers personally.

The series will consist of recurring hybrid gatherings, with some sessions held virtually and others in person. Meetings are expected to take place on Thursdays from 6:30–8:00 PM, with anticipated discussion dates on March 12 and 26, April 9 and 23, and May 7 and 21. The group will launch in February 2026 via email newsletter, with book discussions beginning in March 2026. An additional in-person gathering is planned for July 2026, with the location to be determined.

This series is free and open to adult participants.

1

Recurring Event Dates

The goal is to have this be a recurring set of gatherings, (some virtual) held on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 pm. There will be an event in July 2026, location TBD. Expected dates are: March 12 and 26 April 9 and 23 May 7 and 21 Group will launch in February via email newsletter and schedule. Book discussion begins in March 2026. June 2026 will be a break month and provide an opportunity to see if this group wants to explore another Morrison novel, possibly Sula or Song of Solomon. In July 2026 there will be an in-person gathering, however; the location will be provided in 2026.

Details

Date & Time

February 20, 2026

to July 30, 2026

Region

Southwest Ohio

Audience

Cost

Free

Book

Yes, we will begin this book discussion by focusing on Beloved, given its relevance to Cincinnati and the opportunity to also visit local venues, such as the Freedom Center. If there is interest, I would like to propose that the book read a second book together.

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