The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Senate OKs Toni Morrison Day, awaits DeWine signature
Proposed dedication will honor Lorain native and Nobel Prize winner
The state of Ohio is closer to dedicating a day of honor for author Toni Morrison, the Lorain native who received the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature.
On Dec. 2, the Ohio Senate passed House Bill 325, the legislation sponsored by state Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, to recognize Feb. 18 as Toni Morrison Day.
Feb. 18, 1931, was the day Toni Morrison was born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Lorain.
Morrison, who died Aug. 5, 2019, at 88 years old, was regarded as a living legend of American letters.
Her works included the novels “The Bluest Eye,” “Song of Solomon” and “Beloved.”
“The significance of Toni Morrison’s life is a continual source of inspiration for people across the country, state, and especially in our home county of Lorain,” Miller said. “This legislation is an expression of appreciation for her life and legacy, and will serve as an annual reminder of her impact.
“Her work will continue to inspire many for future generations to come.”
The bill awaits the signature of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Miller said the passage has happened in time for Morrison to be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in New York on Dec. 10.
He introduced the bill in August 2019.
The Ohio House of Representatives passed it 84-7 in February, and the bill has waited for Senate action since then.
Miller referred to it among the legislation he has sponsored, in a legislative update he emailed to constituents Nov. 20.
Two days before, Miller said he and joint sponsor Rep. Stephanie Howse, D-Cleveland, proffered testimony in the Ohio Senate’s General Government and Agency Review Committee.
“It is our hope that this expression of appreciation for the life and legacy of Toni Morrison, a Lorain native and Nobel Laureate, will serve as an annual reminder of her impact, and a chance for new generations to benefit from her work,” he said.
“Toni Morrison is a beloved African American novelist, essayist and former professor,” Howse said. “Morrison’s works are sophisticated, thought-provoking and challenges readers of all ages to examine their understanding of the world around them.”
Her works are required reading for students across the United States to help develop them as more well-rounded global citizens, Howse said.
Morrison won numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“More important than her awards, is her continued impact on the African American community and the global community at large,” Howse said. “Her works stirred our souls, challenged our consciences to confront injustices and encourage the rest of the world to do the same.
“She set the stage for an entire generation of authors to tell their untold stories and celebrate the beautiful diversity of humankind,” Howse said.
Morrison is commemorated by the Toni Morrison Society’s Bench by the Road Project to honor her and the lives of Africans who were enslaved, Howse said.
Miller recounted Morrison’s early life in Lorain and how the significance of her Lorain heritage has meant more and more to the community.
He declined to repeat Morrison’s extensive resume of works and awards.
But, Miller said having someone from the neighborhood rise to worldwide renown and being the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for literature is a source of pride for the International City.
Lorain City Council and the Lorain County commissioners already have passed legislation commemorating Morrison’s life and work.
Lorain has a school named for her, the library has exhibits dedicated to her and Lorain County Community College held a celebration of her life.
“But the significance of Toni Morrison’s life is so much more than a local story,” Miller said. “It’s a source of inspiration for people across the state, and across the country, for that matter.”
As of Nov. 20, the representa
tives were awaiting a second hearing in the Senate.
That happened Dec. 1 and the full senate vote came the next day.