After changing the world for decades through her words, the world is at a loss for words following the loss of Toni Morrison. The decorated author has changed the world through her Beloved trilogy, Song of Solomon and many other literary works. As a result of her literary genius, she has earned a Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize and a number of other prestigious honors.
I carry Toni Morrison quotes wherever I go.
— Are You Valet? (@ScottieBeam) August 6, 2019
Beyond the prizes and awards, Morrison’s impact lives in the hearts and minds of those who have read her work for decades. After learning of her passing this morning, many took to social media to share their reactions.
She made me understand“writer” was a fine profession. I grew up wanting to be only her. Dinner with her was a night I will never forget. Rest, Queen. “Toni Morrison, seminal author who stirringly chronicled the Black American experience, dies” https://t.co/S6qxix5OCj
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 6, 2019
Poet and writer Hanif Abdurraqib wrote, “I’m very sad. Toni Morrison is the greatest Ohioan who ever lived. No one was more important to my understanding of the fact that I could come from where I came from and write what I wanted to.”
Others such as The Wire‘s Wendell Pierce tweeted out excerpts of Morrison’s work. Meanwhile, Harvard’s Clint Smith shared his recollection of encountering Morrison in person.
“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.”
Holding all those touched by Toni Morrison in my heart today. ?? pic.twitter.com/2jkAvtaErK
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) August 6, 2019
On Capitol Hill, Rep. Ilhan Omar also took time to honor the late revolutionary. Morrison stands as one of the few writers to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Morrison leaves behind family, friends and fans who were all moved by her. May she rest in peace.
