Reps. Miller, Howse introduce bill naming Toni Morrison Day

State Reps. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) and Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) today introduced legislation honoring the late author Toni Morrison by designating her birthday, February 18, as “Toni Morrison Day” in Ohio.

Morrison, a native of Lorain, rose to prominence through novels and non-fiction works that often examined black identity in America. Her works, including the novels Beloved and Song of Solomon, earned her a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, a Nobel Prize in Literature, the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“In the Lorain area, Toni Morrison has long been a source of inspiration for our youth,” said Rep. Miller. “Her legacy is one of perseverance, dedication to education and leadership by example. I am hopeful that the designation of Toni Morrison Day will remind all Ohioans to learn from the body of work that inspired so many during her lifetime.”

“Toni Morrison’s life and writing exemplified her unique gift for creating passionate, elegant and timeless literature that is cherished by Ohioans and people around the globe,” said Rep. Howse. “Her work stirred our souls, challenged our conscience to confront injustices and encouraged the rest of the world to do the same. I hope that the designation of Toni Morrison Day will set the stage for an entire generation of authors to tell their untold stories and celebrate the beautiful diversity of humanity.”

The bill will now be sent to the Ohio House Rules and Reference Committee, where it will receive a bill number and committee assignment.