Celebrating Black History Month at Your Library: Honoring the Legacy of Toni Morrison
For me, the history of the place of Black people in this country is so varied, complex, and beautiful. And impactful.” ~ From the documentary film Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.
February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the accomplishments, struggles, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month highlights the rich and varied history of Black Americans, beyond the stories of slavery and racism, emphasizing the achievements and lasting impact they have on society.
This month, your local libraries are celebrating the contributions of influential Black figures in history. This week, we focus on the remarkable Toni Morrison, a celebrated novelist whose work transformed American literature. Born in Ohio on February 18, 1931, as Chloe Anthony Wofford. Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970, her masterpiece, Song of Solomon, garnered national attention and won the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Morrison received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993 and the Pulitzer Prize in 1987. Her writing explores the complexities of African American identity, race, and the emotional depth of the Black experience. Morrison passed away on August 5, 2019, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of readers.
Your library is a great resource for exploring Morrison’s work and learning more about the contributions of historical and contemporary Black Americans. Whether you are interested in fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, we offer a wide range of materials by and about people of color. With your library card, all this information and assistance is available for