Who was the first African American to win a Nobel Prize in Literature?

• A. James Baldwin
• B. Langston Hughes
• C. Toni Morrison
• D. Zora Neale Hurston

Answer: (B)

The first African American to win a Nobel Prize in Literature was Toni Morrison, who received the award in 1993. Morrison's work addresses themes of identity, race, and the African American experience. She is renowned for her powerful narratives and rich, poetic language, often delving into the complexities of black life in America. Her notable works include "Beloved," "Song of Solomon," and "The Bluest Eye," which have received critical acclaim and have a lasting impact on literature.

While Baldwin, Hughes, and Hurston are all significant figures in American literature and have made substantial contributions to the portrayal of African American life, they did not receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. This distinction underscores Morrison's unique achievement in bringing African American voices to the forefront of global literary recognition.