Black Crossword Puzzle Brings Cultural Knowledge to the Front Page

Overview

Black Crossword, a new online puzzle platform, offers a unique twist on traditional crosswords by incorporating Black cultural knowledge and references. Founded by Juliana Pache, a first-generation Afro-Caribbean American, the platform aims to provide a challenging and engaging experience for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The Idea and Inspiration

Pache, who became interested in Black history and culture while working at her local library during her teens, was inspired to create Black Crossword after becoming frustrated while working on a New York Times mini puzzle. She realized that there was a lack of puzzle platforms that catered to Black people’s cultural knowledge and decided to create something that would fill that gap.

The Challenges of Creating the Puzzle

Instead of starting by writing puzzles, Pache first bought the domain for Black Crossword and related domains, submitted a trademark application, and began working on the website and social media accounts. Only then did she start creating puzzles, which proved to be a more difficult task than she anticipated.

Perseverance and Growth

Despite the challenges, Pache persevered and has now built a word library of 30 pages. She began by creating mini-puzzles instead of full-size puzzles, which allowed her to develop her skills and build a community of players.

The Launch and Reception

Black Crossword was launched in January 2024 and received a positive response, with the first puzzle release earning around 5,000 plays on the first day. Pache believes that the community is broad and inclusive, attracting people who are interested in word games and those who want to challenge themselves in the middle of the day.

Future Plans

Pache plans to release standard-size crossword puzzles later this year, alongside more challenging subscription-based weekly puzzles. She also wants to launch merch and a book of crossword puzzles.

Conclusion

Black Crossword is a groundbreaking platform that brings cultural knowledge to the forefront of puzzle-solving. With a focus on inclusivity and community, Black Crossword is poised to become a popular destination for puzzle enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

FAQs

What inspired the creation of Black Crossword?

Juliana Pache, the founder of Black Crossword, was inspired to create a puzzle platform that catered to Black cultural knowledge after becoming frustrated while working on a New York Times mini puzzle.

How did Pache develop her skills?

Pache began by creating mini-puzzles instead of full-size puzzles, which allowed her to develop her skills and build a community of players.

What are Pache’s future plans for Black Crossword?

Pache plans to release standard-size crossword puzzles later this year, alongside more challenging subscription-based weekly puzzles. She also wants to launch merch and a book of crossword puzzles.