About theProject
Toni Morrison cuts the ribbon to the new Toni Morrison Reading Room of the Lorain Public Library System, January 22, 1995. Lorain County Memory.
A Statewide Toni Morrison Celebration
ABOUT THECELEBRATION
From February 18, 2026 through February 18, 2027, Ohio will celebrate the life, literature, and legacy of Toni Morrison, Lorain, Ohio native and the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. This project is designed and led by Literary Cleveland with Ohio Humanities, Ohioana Library Association, and the Toni Morrison Society.
Celebration Goals
Honor a Legendary Ohioan
Celebrate and highlight Morrison’s indispensable contributions to our state and nation’s past, present and future.
Foster Dialogue
Engage Ohioans to think, read, write, and talk about the themes in Morrison’s work: history and memory, race and racism, trauma and violence, motherhood and home, beauty and love.
Build Connections
Connect with literary, cultural, and community organizations across Ohio and foster greater state-wide collaboration.
Why Now?
Reflect on American History
2026 is the 250th anniversary of America and a time to reflect on the people and art that shaped our country. There are few figures more important in the literary history of America and together her novels tell the story of America.
Activate the Power of Literature
In a time of conflict, learning about the life of Toni Morrison, reading her work, and discussing the themes of her writing has the potential to bridge divides, illuminate truths, and inspire action.
Plan for 2031
Celebrating Morrison in 2026 builds experience and connections leading up to the 100 anniversary of Morrison’s 1931 birth.
“In my work, no matter where it’s set… the imaginative process always starts right here on the lip of Lake Erie.”
—Toni Morrison
Ohio Connection
Born February 18, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio, Toni Morrison was not only raised here but wrote extensively about the state. Her debut, The Bluest Eye, is about Lorain. Sula, takes place in a fictional Medallion, Ohio, and her most acclaimed work, Beloved, is set in Cincinnati.
Bottom Left. Toni Morrison birthplace, 2245 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Lorain County Memory.
Top Right. Toni Morrison is kissed by her mother Ramah Wofford on the occasion of Toni’s visit to Lorain to accept an award from the Lorain Chamber of Commerce. January 12, 1982. Lorain County Memory.
Events
STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIPS& MORE
Events led by partners across the state can include programs for adults and kids, students and teachers, families and individuals, readers and writers, lifelong Morrison fans and those new to her work.
Example Events
Reading from the novel Jazz accompanied by a Jazz band
Writing workshops and open mics inspired by Morrison’s work
Children’s book storytime and crafting for families
Author talk with Namwali Serpell about Toni Morrison’s influence
Beloved-inspired historical tour of Cincinnati in the 1870s
Statewide writing and art contests
Engagement Types
Interactive Sessions
Interactive sessions for families will involved storytelling, crafting, and art making.
Local & Visiting Speakers
Local and visiting speakers will share about her life, her influence on literature, the history behind her work, and the themes in her writing: history and memory, race and trauma, motherhood and home, beauty and love.
Performances
Performances of her writing, her plays, her music, and screenings of related films will draw wider audiences.
Readings & Discussions
Readings and book discussions will invite people to dive into her novels, nonfiction, and children’s books.
Virtual Discussions
Statewide virtual discussions and talks will connect participants across Ohio, and contest for writing and art will showcase our state’s creativity.
Resources For All
All of the events across the state will be listed on this website which will also feature information about Morrison’s life and writing and her connection to and impact on Ohio. Additional reading guides, discussion topics, podcast and video resources will also be collected to engage Ohioans and build an archive for more lasting impact.
Read Through American History
Morrison’s eleven novels are each set in a different period in American history from the 1680s-2000s. In 2026 we will read the books in the order they are set to explore our country’s struggle to become a more perfect union. See the list below to learn when each book is set and when we will be discussing them in our statewide book club.
1680s
A MercyMarch 2026
1870s
BelovedApril 2026
1920s–60s
SulaMay 2026
1920s
JazzJune 2026
1940
The Bluest EyeJuly 2026
1950s
HomeAugust 2026
1960s
Song of SolomonSeptember 2026
1970s
ParadiseOctober 2026
1970s
Tar BabyNovember 2026
1930s–90s
LoveDecember 2026
2000s
God Help the ChildJanuary 2027
Planning Committee
This project is designed and led by Literary Cleveland with Ohio Humanities, Ohioana Library Association, and the Toni Morrison Society.
Britt Lovett
Toni Morrison Project Manager and Primary Contact
Literary Cleveland
ToniMorrison@litcleveland.org
Matt Weinkam
Project Lead
Executive Director at Literary Cleveland
Rebecca Asmo
Project Lead
Executive Director at Ohio Humanities
David J. Merkowitz
Project Support
Director of Grants and Programs at Ohio Humanities
Michelle Smith
Project Support
Program
Director at Literary Cleveland
Kimberlee Kiehl
Project Support
Executive
Director at Ohioana Library Association
Dr. Michelle Hite
Project Consultant
Associate Professor at Spelman College
President of the Toni Morrison Society
Dr. Marilyn Mobley
Project Consultant
Emerita Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Former President of the Toni Morrison Society
Dr. Carolyn Denard
Program Consultant
Founder and Board Chair of the Toni Morrison Society
