Toni Morrison Senior Fellow unveils the Universal Language of literary icon

In a captivating seminar that echoed the universal appeal of Toni Morrison’s literature, Professor Philathia Bolton, the first recipient of The Africa Institute’s Toni Morrison Senior Fellowship in African Diaspora Literature and Cultural Studies, presented her developing research work titled “‘She Speaks Our Language’: Toni Morrison’s Diasporic Resonance” on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at The Africa Institute Auditorium.

Professor Bolton invited the audience to embark on a profound journey into the depths of Morrison’s literary legacy and its extraordinary resonance across the diaspora. Her presentation was an intellectual journey through the impact of Toni Morrison’s works on marginalized communities worldwide.

The seminar was based on two of her ongoing research projects and explored the idea that Morrison’s writing transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it accessible and relevant to people from diverse backgrounds.

In her session, Professor Bolton shared that the title, “She Speaks Our Language,” is derived from a powerful moment in México when the audience, faced with language barriers, refused an interpreter, exclaiming, “She speaks our language.” This anecdote, borrowed from American historian, David Carrasco, underpins the central theme of Professor Bolton’s discussion – how Toni Morrison’s writing bridges the gap between cultures, enabling a shared diasporic sensibility.

“Morrison’s literature creates intimacy and visibility for marginalized communities, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. The resonance of Morrison’s work extends from the African-American experience to global audiences, and it was noted that the depth of her storytelling allows for multiple interpretations and engagements. A key element in decoding Morrison’s universal appeal is her use of vernacular. She deliberately speaks from a racialized perspective, offering a sovereign, authorial voice that challenges traditions of writing to the  white gaze,” said Professor Bolton, who is also a resident of Toni Morrison’s home state, Ohio.

Professor Bolton’s presentation encouraged the audience to reflect on how Morrison’s work illustrates the vitality of language in depicting the lives and experiences of its readers.

As Morrison herself once expressed in her Nobel Lecture, “Language’s vitality lies in its ability to depict the actual, imagined, and potential lives of its speakers, readers, and writers.” Morrison’s storytelling creates a unique “language” that transcends barriers and connects seemingly disparate groups.

Dr. Philathia Bolton, the Toni Morrison Senior Fellow at The Africa Institute, is an Associate Professor of English at The University of Akron in Ohio. Her extensive research in 20th-century African American literature and critical race studies has made her a respected voice in the academic community.

The seminar was moderated by Elizabeth W. Giorgis, Associate Professor of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at The Africa Institute.

Through events like this, The Africa Institute reaffirms its commitment to the study and research of Africa and its diaspora, cultivating a new generation of critical thinkers in African and African Diaspora studies.

Professor Bolton’s presentation was a testament to the enduring influence of Toni Morrison’s literary works, serving as a powerful reminder of the common language that storytelling can create, uniting diverse communities in the shared experience of her narratives.