It needs the sashing, black or otherwise.

I was thinking dark brown as I looked at the pics. Seems several others were thinking the same.

DITTO!!!!! I think the sashing give the quilt a balanced look, otherwise it sort of seems scrambled up. I like your design

Some different ideas...
Set them on point alternating with a plain tone on tone autumn color same sized squares -
or to make it more interesting, make plain Ohio square stars with that white or cream as a background, and alternate them with those.

How about a multiple color sashing?
based on the light cream color.

I think a dark brown would look great, but perhaps look at a charcoal grey too, it'll look softer than that stark black

I like the black .

I think the black looks great on your quilt. Black always seems to make the other colors pop.

I think the black sashing really brings out the colors.

I am torn, I like it both ways!

I agree. :-)