Picture a Philadelphia storyteller who weaves the soul of a city into vibrant tales of love and resilience—meet Diane McKinney-Whetstone! This acclaimed African American author has enchanted readers with novels that pulse with the rhythm of Philadelphia’s Black communities, blending rich characters with historical depth. From her debut, Tumbling, to the poignant Lazaretto, her stories capture family, struggle, and the human spirit.
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, McKinney-Whetstone’s work is a love letter to her hometown, where neighborhoods become characters as vivid as the people who inhabit them. With two BCALA Literary Fiction Awards and a knack for lyrical prose, she’s a literary gem worth discovering.
The Making of Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Born on August 14, 1953, Diane McKinney-Whetstone grew up in a lively West Philadelphia family, the second of five daughters of Pennsylvania State Senator Paul McKinney and his wife, Bessie. Surrounded by seven siblings, including stepsiblings, her childhood was steeped in storytelling, with her parents spinning tales that sparked her imagination. After earning a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1975, she worked as a press secretary for the Philadelphia City Council and later as a public affairs officer for the USDA Forest Service. It wasn’t until her late 30s that she joined the Rittenhouse Writers’ Group, igniting her passion for fiction. A Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant allowed her to pen her first novel, Tumbling, launching her literary career at 39.
Diane McKinney-Whetstone’s Unforgettable Stories
McKinney-Whetstone’s novels are a tapestry of Philadelphia’s African American life, blending historical settings with intimate human dramas. Her debut, Tumbling (1996), set in 1940s and 1950s South Philadelphia, follows Noon and Herbie, a couple navigating love, loss, and community threats from gentrification. Critics praised its lyrical prose and vivid characters, earning it the Athenaeum of Philadelphia citation. Lazaretto (2016), a historical novel set post-Civil War, explores racial tensions and personal secrets around Philadelphia’s first quarantine hospital, showcasing her ability to intertwine history with emotional depth.
Other notable works include Leaving Cecil Street (2004), a 1960s tale of family and neighborhood bonds, and Our Gen (2022), a lighter story of sexagenarians in a 55-plus community, proving her versatility. Her style—poetic, character-driven, and deeply rooted in place—captures the resilience of everyday people facing systemic challenges, making her a standout in African American literature.
Why Diane McKinney-Whetstone Matters
Diane McKinney-Whetstone’s impact lies in her ability to humanize Philadelphia’s African American communities, giving voice to their joys, struggles, and triumphs. Her novels, honored with two BCALA Literary Fiction Awards (2005, 2009), resonate with readers for their emotional authenticity and cultural insight. As a former University of Pennsylvania lecturer, she’s inspired aspiring writers, while her stories preserve Philadelphia’s Black history. Her work reminds us that love and resilience can thrive amidst adversity, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: August 14, 1953, in Philadelphia, PA
- Key Works: Tumbling, Lazaretto, Leaving Cecil Street, Our Gen
- Awards: Two BCALA Literary Fiction Awards, Athenaeum of Philadelphia Citation
- Fun Fact: She’s a grandmother of four and married to her childhood sweetheart, Greg Whetstone
About Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Snag Tumbling or Lazaretto and dive into Diane McKinney-Whetstone’s soulful, Philly-infused stories! Her vibrant characters and poetic prose will keep you hooked from page one.