Princeton University Will Open The Doors To “Toni Morrison: Sites of Memory” Tribute In February

An extensive Toni Morrison tribute is headed to Princeton University, where the prolific author taught for 17 years.

The school initially announced the exhibit in 2021, titled “Toni Morrison: Sites of Memory,” named after her essay of the same name. Featured within the tribute will be a plethora of published and unpublished manuscripts, never-before-seen photographs, rare drafts of her novel “Song of Solomon,” speeches, essays, and much more that outline the life and impact of the Nobel Prize honoree.

Also showcased in the presentation will be music created by Grammy-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant and a three-day symposium featuring fellow renowned writers and lecturers such as Edwidge Danticat.

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One of the display’s curators, Autumn Womack, says the purpose of such massive praise is to demonstrate the work of Morrison, which has stood the test of time.

“I wanted to show the importance of the archive to understanding Morrison’s work and practice. But I also wanted to show how this archive, in particular, is a site that opens up new lines of inquiry and inspires new kinds of collaboration,” stated the assistant professor of English and African American Studies at Princeton.

Beginning on February 22nd, students will have access to “Toni Morrison: Sites of Memory” in the Princeton University Library. The exhibit will be available until June 4th for students and staff to enjoy.

Morrison passed away in 2019 at age 88 before seeing her tribute come to fruition. Other notable works by her include “Sula,” “The Bluest Eye,” and “Jazz.” In 1988, she was honored with a Pulitzer Prize before receiving the Nobel Prize for literature in 1993.