THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Toni Morrison

February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019

“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.” – Nobel Prize acceptance speech, 1993

Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison, recognized as one of the most influential writers in American literary history. Novelist, children’s writer, playwright, editor, professor. Taught English, Texas Southern University, Houston, 1955-1957, Howard University until 1966. First Black female editor in fiction, Random House, New York City, late 1960s, a position she held for 20 years. Author of 11 novels as well as children’s books and essay collections. Writings have contributed to the ideology of Black feminism. First African-American woman to win Nobel Prize in Literature, 1993. Joined faculty of Princeton, Robert F. Goheen Chair, taught courses in humanities and African-American studies, member of creative writing program, 1989. Emeritus status, 2006. Professor-at-Large at Cornell University, 1997 – 2003.

Photo 1. Toni Morrison, 1970. Photo 2. Toni Morrison receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2012.