Toni Morrison Is Dead at 88—But Here’s Why She’ll Soar Forever

Toni Morrison, 88, died this week, but she has left an indelible imprint on our culture. The best-selling author explored black identity in the United States, with a focus on the lives and experiences of women. Her work ignited thought, debate, and discussion of vital issues. 

Born in Ohio, Toni worked in various areas of literature, from being an editor at Random House, to teaching at Howard and Princeton Universities, among others—and, of course, writing acclaimed and amazingly successful books. She authored 11 novels in addition to children’s books with one of her two sons and racked up accolades for her ability to spin intense stories that brought to light difficult social truths. Her work Song of Solomon earned the National Book Critics Circle Award.