Of the many great American authors of the past century there are recognizable names such as Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner, and Don DeLillo. Among this list, one of the modern day powerhouses of literature was Toni Morrison.
Toni Morrison stands among some of the most beloved authors of the twenty-first century. Being both a woman as well as a person of color she served as an inspiration for aspiring writers across the country. Ms. Moore, a Millbrook English teacher, had to say about Morrison “[She’s] renowned for her powerful and influential contributions to literature, particularly in the exploration of African American experiences.” Certainly Morrison is known for her work’s exploration of the African American identity, and though Morrison is far from the first author to do this her work has gained a large amount of notoriety for it.
Some of Morrison’s most famous works are “Song of Solomon,” “Beloved,” “The Bluest Eye,” and “Sula.” All of these works are known for their examination of the Black experience in America. This was a theme that Morrison returned to in nearly all of her work, going on record to say that she believed it was important for her to write what she knew. She once stated, “In this country American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate.” With this ideology in mind, Morrison has made it a point to highlight Black Americans in her work, making sure that their stories and perspectives are considered.
Other than her literary achievements, Morrison is known for her scholarly pursuits and career as a teacher. Morrison attended Howard University in Washington D.C. for her undergraduate degree before continuing her education at Cornell University in order to gain a Master of Arts in English. After earning her master’s Morrison first taught at Texas Southern University before returning to Howard University as a professor for seven years. After her time teaching Morrison moved to New York and became an editor for Random House publishing. The first book, “The Bluest Eye,” ultimately would not be published until she was 39 despite her employment at the publishing company.
For her literary contributions Morrison has been awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award, a Pulitzer prize in fiction, the Nobel Prize in literature, and the National Book Foundation’s Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Morrison has been widely celebrated as a champion of American literature with her works being hailed as modern classics. Morrison ultimately passed away in Montefiore Hospital in New York CIty on August 5, 2019.
Ms. Moore, when asked what she believed the legacy of Morrison would be, said “[Morrison’s] legacy is a multifaceted one that encompasses artistic innovation, social advocacy, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape. Her impact will continue to resonate with writers and readers, inspiring future generations to explore the depths of human experience through the power of storytelling.” Fitting words to describe arguably one of the greatest American authors of all time.
