*Originally published August, 2019.*

I would say she was a mentor for most of us. One courageous enough to use words to convey so much. Her ability to tell stories, create and implore emotion was miraculous. Something short of breathing life into our being.

Required reading for young people nationwide. Let them see themselves through her characters. Through other lens, providing depth and meaning to life.

You’ll find a bit of yourself within her prose and then again, maybe you won’t. You’ll learn more about someone you’ve met. Someone you would likely never pay a simple glance. Maybe, within her words you’ll find the why, the how or how come. 

Learn a different perspective, foreign from than that you’ve always known. Toni Morrison opened our eyes and did so with her brilliant mind. We walked away stammering and  stuttering. And then, believing we had finally stumbled upon the point. Only to find ourselves uncertain, re-reading, searching yet, again. 

Ms. Morrison, we are eternally grateful for you.

Thank you for sharing your precious gift of mending words into spectacular prisms of light. Your words, your legacy will lead the way forward.

Love & Black Culture,

~Stacey Mack

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