Scores of first-round LHSAA girls basketball games Thursday involving Rapides Parish teams:

SELECT DIVISION I

ASH 62, Mt. Carmel 54

Tioga 52, East Jefferson 14

SELECT DIVISION II

Booker T. Washington (Shreveport) 46, Peabody 42

SELECT DIVISION III 

Rapides 52, Independence 31

CLASS B

Oak Hill 54, Avoyelles Public Charter 36

CLASS C

Plainview 36, Summerfield 29

Three parish teams – Buckeye, Glenmora and Menard – earned first-round byes. Menard will host Rapides Monday night.

---

Is it just me, or when you come up with a mental image of the NCAA’s transfer portal, it’s a port-a-let?

Fits. Because most of the college players using the portal have flushed away their careers.

Over 11,000 football players entered the portal this winter. About 6,800 are stuck there, and they cannot rely on a plumber to save the day. Coaches have already allocated their roster spots to newcomers, whether they are transfers or even old-school signees.

The percentage is even worse for basketball players. Fewer roster spots, a higher rate of portal delusions.

In the X-box generation of sports, young athletes are used to hitting the reset button. It’s a habit formed before they get to high school.

There’s an overload of games, often a half-dozen or so a weekend for travel teams. The sting of losing does not linger for long. And there’s the constant chance to jump ship to another travel team or even school if Little Larry isn’t getting the playing time he needs – forget considering if he deserves it.

Travel ball isn’t new, but it’s never been this prevalent. It used to be summer ball but it’s spread faster than the Indiana Hoosiers football fan base.

It’s not totally terrible. There are positives and there are people who do it the right way, for the right reasons.

If your kid wants to play, and it’s financially feasible, tough to say “no.” At some point, I believe another word that should come up at least occasionally is “enough.”

There’s not only purity in backyard ball, pickup games at the park, and a lack of daily structure putting youngsters on a schedule from breakfast to bedtime. Freestyling sports and down time gives kids the chance to figure out things on their own, to be creative, to make their own fun.

Does anybody play Kick-the-Can around the carport lights these days? Red Rover Come Over? Or just a good 3-on-3 whiffleball game in the neighbor’s yard?

There’s a lot of (depending on how you see it) far-reaching (or far-fetched) long-term implications for the healthiest development of kids. Youth sports are an American standard; the grown-ups’ challenge is to not let them deteriorate into constant competition where the final score is the end-all be-all, instead of the final outcomes producing positive life lessons and lots of fun.

Jumping back to the college scene, this portal porn has fouled up so much of what we’ve enjoyed.

Bo Lamar died this week. You old-timers might remember him – the real Ragin’ Cajun, a guard who was for USL basketball what Pistol Pete Maravich was at LSU.

Pistol was flashier, played at a higher level, was other-worldly from the day he took the court for the Tigers. He’s the all-time college basketball scoring king and that was just one phase of his game.

Bo (real name Dwight) led the NCAA in scoring just after Pete moved into the pros. Pete averaged 44 points in his LSU career. Bo put up 31.2 per game for the Cajuns, scoring 3,493 points, lots of them from very long range.

“Bo Lamar is the purest shooter I’ve ever seen,” said Jerry Tarkanian, who saw a bunch in his Naismith Hall of Fame coaching career.

Pistol and Bo set records never to be broken. They’re absurdly out of reach.

But now with the portal in place, we won’t see very many career records topped anywhere in any major team sport. The good players will keep moving up the pay scale, changing teams 2-3-4-5 times (or more).

The classifications of freshman, sophomore, junior and senior are obsolete. The NCAA is allowing transfers to play for 5-6-7 years, even more, and at just as many colleges.

That’s the next iteration of travel ball.

The cash chase drives transfers. The need for NIL funds peaks with the super powers but every one of the 360-or-so Division I schools is trying to combine donor money with the new NCAA revenue share to reward current players and entice new ones.

It’s only going to take a few years before the people who feed the NIL accounts get weary of barely knowing the college kids they’re helping pay. They’ll get  frustrated when their generosity doesn’t produce enough wins.

Collective bargaining for the big boys, and some long overdue humble pie and common sense for everybody else, better come quickly if college sports in the ‘30s will look anything like it did just a few years ago, or even like it does today. 

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

---

Cynthia “Cindy” Henson (née Francis) was born on August 12, 1954 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and passed away in LeCompte, Louisiana, on February 12, 2026.

Cindy’s independence, resilience, creativity, and deep love for animals shaped every chapter of her life. After losing her home to a fire, she rebuilt with strength and quiet determination, continuing to find joy in her crafts and in the simple comforts that grounded her. Her new house became a home when she adopted her rescue dog Max.

During her professional career, Cindy served as an executive at a defense company, where she was known for her sharp mind, leadership, and unwavering work ethic. After retiring, she embraced her lifelong passion for arts and crafts, transforming it into a small business that brought joy to her and to those who cherished her handmade creations.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Williams (Eugene); her father, Ed Francis; and her many beloved canine companions.

She is survived by her son, Denny Smith (Kirsten); her sister, Julie Christie (Ed); her brother, Jason Francis (Cherish) and their children; and her father’s wife, Fran Francis. She is also survived by her loyal dog, Max, who remained faithfully by her side.

In keeping with her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held for family members. Those who wish to honor her memory may do so by donating to their local animal shelter, a cause that reflects her lifelong compassion for dogs and the many rescues she welcomed into her home.

She will be remembered for her creativity, resiliency, and the steady determination that carried her through life’s challenges.

---

Lillie Beatrice Paulk Newcomb, age 75, gained her heavenly wings and angelic voice, on Thursday February 19, 2026. Bea lived her entire life in Deville/Hickory Grove and died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

Bea was born on November 30, 1950 to Josh and Lillie McCann Paulk. She married her childhood best friend, Pinkie Newcomb on June 1, 1968. They resided in Hickory Grove their entire 57 years of marriage. Bea was a graduate of Buckeye High School where she enjoyed playing basketball during Jr. High School and was a majorette her 4 years of high school.

She worked at various firms as an executive secretary and legal secretary for almost 40 years. She was a Notary Public and Certified Administrative Professional. Bea grew up hunting with her dad, brothers and special hunting buddy Carroll Rosier. She loved hunting and fishing with Pinkie, her children and grandchildren, especially the competition of winning. She treasured the memories of vacations taken with best friends, Bert and Dorothy Rosier, Jan and Gerald Huffman, and David and Glenda Rosier. She was a member of Holloway Baptist Church and attended Unity Baptist Church for many years.

Bea is survived by her husband of 57 years, Pinkie Newcomb; two daughters and sons-in-law, Shannon and Harvey McDaniel and Stephanie and Jim Huffman.

Grandsons Clay McDaniel and wife Jessi, Brady Huffman and Jace Huffman. Nephew Dustin Newcomb(Ashley) and niece Marcy Newcomb Wiggins(Daniel), along with great-nephew Spencer Wiggins, whom she considered her grandchildren. She had too many nieces and nephews on the Paulk side to list but she loved them dearly and considered the older ones her sisters and brothers. She is also survived by her sister- in-law Derra Paulk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josh and Lillie Paulk, in-laws George and Wob Newcomb, and Inez Newcomb, and her stillborn infant son; Siblings and in/laws; A.C. and Geraldine Paulk, Marie and Shirley Wiggins, J.L. and Pat Paulk, Virginia and Hyman O’Neal, Jane and Buddy Nugent, and Buster Gandy, and Hershel Paulk. She is also preceded by her brother-in-law, W.D. Newcomb, sister-in-law, Tammy Newcomb, and nephew Zack Newcomb. Three other nephews also preceded her, Cletus Paulk, Edward O’Neal and Dustin Bonnette.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she lived for times spent with her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Their visits and phone calls were the highlights of her day.

The family request that visitation be on Thursday February 19, 2026 at Holloway Baptist Church from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again Friday February 20, 2026 until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery located at the Church. Officiating will be Dr. Jack West, Cathy Powell and Bro. Tim Shield.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Dustin Newcomb, Clay McDaniel, Brady Huffman, Jace Huffman, Ricky Nugent, and Brent Nugent. Honorary pallbearers are Darrell Paulk, Ralph Wiggins and Scott Paulk.

The family would like to thank Dr. Abi-Rachel and his entire staff, the Cabrini Infusion Center and her home- infusion nurses.

---

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

By JIM BUTLER

Settle or go to trial seem to be the Alexandria City Council’s choices regarding a suit filed in the wake of a 2023 traffic accident involving an on-duty police officer.

Council and counsel will discuss the matter in executive session Tuesday evening. 

The city’s lawyers recommend settling with a Risk Management Fund payment of $350,000 plus any attendant fees and charges. 

If settlement agreement is not reached the case goes to trial March 24, according to current district court docket information. 

The accident happened late on a February night at Monroe Street and Texas Avenue. 

Officer Hannah Paul was responding to a report of subjects breaking into a vehicle on the nearby AutoZone parking lot. 

She allegedly ran a red light in her city-owned patrol car, making a turn, losing control and crashing into a vehicle driven by Vanessa Moreno. 

The plaintiff’s suit alleges a number of adverse results.

---

The Rapides Parish Police Jury has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Rapides Parish Police Jury Meeting Room, located at 701 Murray Street in Alexandria.

The agenda includes consideration of items requiring action by the Police Jury. The meeting is open to the public.

---

A new business is set to open its doors in downtown Pineville later this month as Hemingway House hosts its grand opening celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at 704 Main Street in Pineville.

Hemingway House will offer coffee, cocktails and more, providing a new gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. Organizers say the grand opening will mark the official launch of the business and invite the community to stop by and experience the new venue.

For additional information, call 318-704-0783.

---

The LHSAA girls basketball postseason tips off tonight with six Rapides Parish teams in action, while teams from Buckeye, Glenmora and Menard enjoy first-round byes and play early next week due to their high seedings based on strong regular-season performance.

Three locals have home games tonight.

In Select Division I, Tioga is the 10^th seed hosting No. 23 East Jefferson at 5:30. Alexandria Senior High is No. 12 and hosts No. 21 Mt. Carmel, also at 5:30.

In Division II, 16^th-seeded Peabody plays at home against No. 17 Booker T. Washington of Shreveport with a 6 p.m. tipoff.

Rapides hosts a Division III first-rounder. The Lady Mustangs, the 13^th seed, meet No. 20 Independence at 6.

On the road tonight are two small school teams.

In Class B, No. 17 Oak Hill goes to 16^th-seeded Avoyelles Public Charter at 6 o’clock.

A Class C first-round game sends 18^th-seeded Plainview to Claiborne Parish to meet No. 15 Summerfield at 5:30.

Three more teams are off tonight with first-round byes.

Menard is No. 4 in Division III and will host the winner of Rapides and Independence.

In Division II, Buckeye is the fifth seed and will host the survivor of No. 12 Loranger and No. 21 Istrouma.

Glenmora is the 10^th seed in Class B and will travel to No. 7 Hathaway next Monday at 6.

---

Louisiana Christian University invites high school students to its annual Spring Preview Day on Saturday, March 7, to learn what opportunities are available to them on campus.

All high school students in public, private and home school are encouraged to preregister to attend the event on campus from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration on the day of the event will be at 9 a.m.

“From the unity and hard work of our admissions team, faculty and staff to the encouragement we are receiving from churches across our state, there is a renewed sense of purpose and excitement surrounding LCU,” said President Dr. Mark Johnson. “Preview Day is more than just a campus visit; it is an opportunity to step into the vision of what God is doing here. We believe this is a season of growth, spiritually, academically and institutionally. I want to reiterate that the support from pastors and churches across Louisiana has been deeply encouraging, and our team is working tirelessly to ensure that every student who visits feels welcomed, valued, and inspired.”

At Preview Day, students and their parents will meet with faculty and learn about academic programs, athletics and extracurricular activities. Attendees will also hear from current students about their experiences in major fields of study and what it’s really like to be a Wildcat.

 “At Louisiana Christian, we are always excited to show students and parents our beautiful campus,” said Jana Lucky, executive director of Enrollment Management. “Our faculty and staff truly care about Louisiana Christian and are always excited to share what they are doing in their departments.” 

Interested students should sign up at the Preview Day registration form.

---

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Feb. 18

Sean Christopher Duffy, 52, Boyce – stalking, two counts simple assault, $50,500 bail;

Elizabeth J. Phillips, 42, Pineville – possession of CDS, improper headlight, Louisiana fugitive, taking contraband to and from penal institution, obstruction of justice, probation violation, $100 bail;

Biron Ricardo Reed, 38, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, disturbing the peace, $500 bail;

Christopher B. Spencer, 58, Oakdale – OWI first offense, improper turn, open container, possession of marijuana, $1,700 bail.

Feb. 17

Sheila Kay Easter, 54, Pineville – OWI first offense, open container, $1,100 bail.

Feb. 16

Willie Anthony Beverly, 29, Desoto, Texas – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, safety belt violation, tail lamps red light, $25,200 bail;

Freddie JaeDeVante Burnett, 33, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolen firearm, illegal possession of stolen things, illegal carry firearm with drugs, contempt of court, $42,500 bail;

Christian Deon Bynog, 19, Alexandria – illegal carry firearm with drugs, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, contempt of court, $10,000 bail;

Terry Dontay Dearbone, 36, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into inhabited dwelling, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Rodolfo Fernandez, 37, Ball – OWI third offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, interlock device required, operating a vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, $1,500 bail;

Jakiesha L. Ford, 30, Alexandria – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;

Carl Randall Hull Jr., 50, Alexandria – OWI third offense, hit and run driving, driving under suspension, careless operation of a vehicle, $75,700 bail;

Delmarco Demtruis Pinkston, 52, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, $3,100 bail;

Dianna Demetria Smith, 46, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, $5,000 bail;

Cameron Drake Stanley, 22, Glenmora – domestic abuse battery with child present, resisting an officer, $1,500 bail;

Eldrick Dewayne Woods, 43, Pineville – OWI second offense, careless operation of a vehicle, canceled plate violation, $1,700 bail.

Feb. 15

Laiken Renee Carty, 20, Boyce – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, $1,600 bail;

Emily Rose Flek, 20, Colfax – reckless operation of a vehicle, hit and run driving, no driver’s license, $1,100 bail;

Larry Eugene Randol, 42, Alexandria – aggravated battery, $3,000 bail;

Colton S. Ryland, 19, Pineville – operating vehicle while intoxicated, hit and run driving, open container, possession or purchase of alcohol by minor, unlawful sale/purchase of tobacco, $3,200 bail;

Phoeby Shuntrell Thomas, 38, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery, $17,500 bail.

---

Funeral services for Brenda Gail Dunn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hineston with Reverends Dustin “Flipper” Wilson, Eugene Williams, DeWayne Davis, and Tim Lee officiating. The burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be David Sumler, Jeremy Goodwin, Lucas Stewart, Sam Boles, Randy Hughes, and Joseph Hughes. The honorary pallbearers will be Korbyn Powell, Easton Irvin, Connor Martin, and Carter Martin.

A visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Thursday, February 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 6:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Brenda was born May 16, 1957, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away February 15, 2026, in her home in Hineston, Louisiana at the age of 68. Brenda proudly served in the U.S. Army and lived for a while in West Virginia and New Mexico before moving back to Louisiana. For many years she worked as an EMT and then as a pharmacy technician. Brenda enjoyed running the roads shopping, thrifting, or hunting for antiques. She had a green thumb and liked to be outdoors tending to her plants or creating a burn pile. She had a special place in her heart for animals and birds.

Brenda was preceded in death by her son, Jim Boles; daughter, Amanda Rachelle Dunn; parents, Leon Alexander and Gloria Alexander; brothers, Robert Alexander and Scott Simmons; and sister, Melissa Ocasio.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 30 years, Gary Dunn of Hineston, LA; children, Jamie Stewart (Lucas) of Dallas, TX, Bradley Irvin of Woodville, TX, Chris Irvin (Faith) of Woodville, TX, Sarah McDougal (Scott) of Elmer, LA; and Joshua Dunn (Jacquelyn) of Hineston, LA; sixteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet Merchant (Jeff) of Leesville, LA, Tammy Sumler (Curtis) of Leesville, LA, Kathy (Jackson) of Alexandria, LA, Wanda (Alexander) of Eunice, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

---

Harold Joseph Bagwell III (Harry), 56, of Boyce, LA, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Boyce, Louisiana. Unfortunately, Harry passed from brain, lung, and bone cancer. He was surrounded by friends and extended family who opened their home to him. He was born in St. Peters Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ in 1969 to Harold Joseph Bagwell, Jr., and Karen Katherine Edwards. Harry attended Marine Academy of Science & Technology (MAST) (NJROTC) program before entering the U.S. Navy NONPO/USNAD. Harold loved his kitty cats, the outdoors, fishing, and stained-glass creations. Harry was a great bass fisherman right up until he couldn’t anymore.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Kayla Ann Bagwell, and brother Kenneth Edward Northup, Jr., and Mother Karen Katherine Edwards-Machinski

Harry is survived by his father Harold Joseph Bagwell, Jr., sister Robin Lynn Northup, stepfather Frank C. Machinski, ex-wife Tina, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew, great niece, great nephews, and great-great nephew.

Harry will always be loved and missed. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society. There will be a private service at a later date.

---

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) announced the conviction of a Rapides Parish resident in connection with a 2023 wildfire that burned approximately 27 acres of young pine plantation west of Glenmora.

On March 1, 2023, LDAF fire crews responded to a wildfire off Joe Ray Road in Rapides Parish. Investigators determined the fire originated from household trash and limbs burned without established fire lines or proper supervision. The fire subsequently escaped containment and spread into a nearby pine plantation, resulting in significant timber damage. The homeowner, Carrie Willis, was issued a citation for fire raising following the investigation.

On Feb. 11, 2026, Willis appeared in court before a judge and was found guilty of Negligent Burning. She was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $872.28 in fire suppression costs. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $8,999.72 in restitution to Roy O. Martin for damages to the pine plantation.

“LDAF reminds residents that outdoor burning must be conducted responsibly and in accordance with state regulations,” remarked LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. “Failure to take proper precautions can result in criminal charges, financial liability, and significant damage to Louisiana’s valuable agricultural and forestry resources.”

For more information about safe burning practices, contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or visit http://www.ldaf.state.la.us.

---

Many Saline-Larto anglers are feeling a lot like Dizzy Dean these days.

When the Hall of Fame pitcher was told a scientist declared the curve ball an optical illusion Dean said,  “Stand begin a tree 60 feet away and I will whomp you with an optical illusion.”

The anglers feel the same way regarding inland biologists reporting crappie and bass numbers/size in the complex east of Alexandria at or above state average.

By whatever methods the experts came to that conclusion it differs with the anglers’ observations from their boats.

Some, through elected officials, have asked for reduced creel limits as well as minimum size restrictions.  The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, in the wake of two fisheries studies, has declined to this point.

Perhaps the disparity comes in part from the unique composition of the complex.

It, and its cousin Spring Bayou near Marksville, earned their legendary status before water management and land use changes altered natural conditions.

Cut off from annual backwater replenishment and choked by runoff siltation the two by the late-70’s became afterthoughts on the angling calendar.

A decade or so later, lightning speed by government standards, the state began moving to restore both.

All Mother Nature needed was a little help and time. And a new generation of anglers discovered them.

When right – water levels, water quality, water temperature, water current – they learned no place is better than Saline-Larto for filling the ice chest, size no issue.

And they do.

When not right, they have discovered, Saline-Larto, from Big Creek to Shad Lake to Dry Larto, is a tough nut to crack.

Bass and crappie stacked like cordwood days earlier can be as hard as smoke to catch.

Those who run their boats up Muddy Bayou or Long Branch or any of a dozen others say the ever-increasing number of anglers using the complex is causing diminishing resource.

Biologists acknowledge the pressure but point to their study data showing the fishery is fine.

To this point the data carries the day and anglers are left to remember:

“There will be days when the fishing is better than one’s most optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home.” – Roderick Haig-Brown.

---

Residents in Rapides Parish can expect a stretch of warm temperatures and breezy conditions through the end of the workweek before a noticeable cool down arrives over the weekend.

Wednesday will start mostly cloudy before turning partly sunny later in the day. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 70s with southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph.

Clouds return Wednesday night with lows dipping into the lower 60s as south winds continue with occasional gusts.

Thursday brings even warmer conditions, with highs climbing into the lower 80s. Skies will begin mostly cloudy before becoming partly sunny, while southwest winds increase to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Mostly cloudy skies continue Thursday night with lows in the lower 60s.

Rain chances enter the forecast Friday, with mostly cloudy skies and a 30 percent chance of morning showers before becoming partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs will remain warm in the upper 70s. Friday night stays mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s.

Saturday carries a 40 percent chance of showers as skies start mostly cloudy before turning partly sunny later in the day. Highs will again reach the upper 70s.

A significant cool down arrives Saturday night as skies clear and temperatures fall into the lower 40s.

From Sunday through Monday night, conditions turn mostly clear and cooler. Highs will top out in the upper 50s, while overnight lows drop into the mid-30s. Sunshine continues Tuesday with highs warming slightly into the lower 60s.

Residents should prepare for breezy conditions through Thursday and monitor rain chances heading into the weekend before cooler air settles across the parish.

---

It’s been a festive and heartwarming Mardi Gras season at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where staff have been celebrating in a uniquely sweet way.

Hospital officials shared that instead of searching for the traditional plastic baby in king cakes, they’ve been celebrating their very own “babies” — newborns delivered at the facility during Mardi Gras season.

The tiny “treasures” have brought big smiles and plenty of festive spirit to staff and families alike, turning sprinkles and snuggles into a memorable holiday celebration. Photos shared by the hospital show newborns dressed in Mardi Gras-themed attire, adding purple, green and gold flair to the halls.

Hospital leaders say the joyful tradition highlights the special moments happening every day inside the facility — proving that during Mardi Gras, the real prize is a bundle of joy.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

---

February 18 marks the birthday of Toni Morrison, one of the most influential literary figures in American history and a towering voice in African American culture. Born in 1931, Morrison reshaped how Black stories were told, studied, and valued, leaving a permanent mark not only on literature but on pop culture, education, and national conversations about race and identity.

Morrison’s novels centered Black life with depth, complexity, and honesty at a time when those perspectives were often marginalized or excluded altogether. Works such as Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon explored themes of history, trauma, love, and resilience, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present.

While Morrison’s work is frequently studied in academic settings, her cultural influence extends far beyond classrooms. Her storytelling style, which blended folklore, realism, and lyrical prose, has inspired filmmakers, musicians, and writers across genres. References to her work appear in song lyrics, visual art, and modern television narratives that focus on generational memory and identity.

February 18 offers a moment to reflect on how Morrison helped redefine whose stories mattered. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, a milestone that elevated African American voices on the global stage. Her achievement wasn’t just personal — it signaled a broader recognition of Black literature as essential to understanding the human experience.

Morrison was also deeply engaged in popular discourse. Her interviews, essays, and public speeches were widely shared and quoted, especially during periods of heightened racial tension in the United States. She had a rare ability to speak with clarity and authority while remaining accessible, making her a cultural figure whose influence reached well beyond literary circles.

Even after her passing in 2019, Morrison’s presence in pop culture continues to grow. Book clubs, social media discussions, and film adaptations have introduced her work to new generations of readers. Quotes from her novels regularly circulate online, often used to frame conversations about justice, beauty, and self-worth.

As Black History Month continues, February 18 stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling — and of Toni Morrison’s role in ensuring African American stories were not only told, but honored.

---