Rep. Waters Statement on the Death of Toni Morrison

Rep. Waters Statement on the Death of Toni Morrison

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued the following statement on the death of Nobel laureate and literary genius, Toni Morrison:

"Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Toni Morrison, one of the most prolific writers and brilliant storytellers of all time. Through her critically acclaimed and groundbreaking literary works, Toni Morrison captured the beauty, chronicled the pain, and celebrated the triumphs of the African American experience. She was a true literary genius who made history as the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for her masterpiece, "Beloved," and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

"Over the course of her decades-long career, Toni Morrison authored several books – including "The Bluest Eye," "Song of Solomon," and "Sula" – many of which achieved unprecedented commercial success in print and were adapted for film. Toni Morrison never shied away from tackling controversial issues such as slavery, racism, misogyny, and colorism through her written works, and in doing so, awakened the conscience of our nation. She was a dedicated professor and lecturer, who inspired and cultivated the creativity of students at institutions such as Howard University, Princeton, Yale, and Texas Southern University. She was a trailblazer for women and writers of color, and she touched the lives of millions of men and women – particularly African American women – who continue to find refuge, a sense of identity, and inspiration in her work.

"The one and only Toni Morrison: extraordinary author, icon and genius. In honor of her legacy, let us reflect upon Toni Morrison's famous words: ‘There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.' May we all continue Toni Morrison's work of creative expression and speaking truth to power."

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