Toni Morrison has remained one of the most revered names in literature for over 40 years and now Princeton University is making sure her name forever has a presence on their prestigious campus.
Morrison’s professional relationship with the Ivy League institution dates back to 1989, when she first stepped into her role as a professor and Robert F. Goheen Chair in the Humanities at the university. On Friday, November 17, the beloved literary icon and Robert F. Goheen Professor in the Humanities, Emeritus was overwhelmed with gratitude as the university officially dedicated Morrison Hall in honor of her accomplishments.
“This is a very, very special, beautiful occasion for me,” Morrison said during the ceremony.
Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber also shared kind words, noting Morrison’s rich history with the school.
“How fitting that the first building named through this process will now honor a teacher, an artist and a scholar who not only has graced our campus with the highest imaginable levels of achievement and distinction, but who has herself spoken eloquently about the significance of names on the Princeton campus,” he said.
As the first Black woman to win a Noble Prize in literature, Morrison’s honest and unapologetic storytelling that often centered around real events in Black history played a major role in bringing Black literature to the forefront of mainstream America.