Born 1939 in New York. Died 1995 in Philadelphia.
Award winning African American novelist and social activist who stressed social engagement and the importance of history in her narratives.
Toni began writing as a child , her first short story was published the same year she graduated from Queens College.
She is probably best known for 1972's Gorilla, My Love and 1980's The Salt Eaters, which won her the American Book Award.