Our TPS project was title Teaching Toni Morrison with Primary Sources. In collaboration with Literary Cleveland, this project complemented the larger statewide year-long celebration of Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison, running from Toni Morrison Day (Feb. 18) 2026 through Feb. 18, 2027. The TPS project was to create teaching/discussion guides that highlighted Morrison’s three novels set specifically in Ohio: Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Sula. It has been observed that Toni Morrison’s novels, arranged in a specific order, tell the story of America from the 1600s through to the early 2000s. Her three novels, set in different time periods, provided an opportunity to tell parts of that story with primary sources aiding a deeper understanding of the novels and of America.

Three scholars were contracted to create a list of primary sources, a narrative essay placing the novels within their historical context (and, if applicable, the time in which Morrison wrote the novel), and a list of discussion questions.

Although there were delays due to unforeseen circumstances, the scholars submitted materials which were then added to the official website of the Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison celebration. Graphic designers worked to incorporate the celebrations overall branding and look. Printed teaching guides and promotional bookmarks are also being created with designers working with Literary Cleveland. The online guides are posted to https://ohiocelebratestonimorrison.org/teaching-guides/.