Our literary debt to Toni Morrison.

No one has contributed more to the cause of black reading than Toni Morrison. As an editor she opened the door for black writers at a time when such opportunities were hard won, and she blazed the way to include themes and images in text books that made them relevant to African American children. Had these accomplishments of her career been her sole legacy, we at Black Issues Book Review would still be in her debt because she enhanced the world of black books. In the wee hours, after long days editing and advocating the work of other writers, Toni Morrison crafted novels such as The Bluest Eye and Sula.

Perhaps I would not be the determined publisher of a national magazine devoted to black books had it not been for Toni Morrison. She gave me the gift of African American fiction that was grounded in compelling characters, that ignited history as fantasy, and that revered the beauty of black speech. Until I read her works, most of the black fiction available to me portrayed the pathology of African America; Ms. Morrison, for me, identified the beauty and joy in our often painful reality.

I salute Toni Morrison, of course, because of the phenomenal body of work she has created, the myriad prizes she has won, and her many other accomplishments (See cover story, page 28). But I am personally proud to have her grace the cover of Black Issues Book Review because through her craft she has revealed to me the role books play in empowering black people. What she does in her writing, I humbly seek to do by publishing BIBR.

It was a privilege to have her invite our founding editor Susan McHenry into her kitchen to return with an interview we at BIBR will long cherish. We are truly grateful

Having Ms. Morrison on the cover caps the year as nothing else could, but no year-end issue would be complete without remembering all the special writers who gave us reading pleasure in 2003, so check out the BIBR staff's comprehensive and often surprising "Best of 2003" list, on page 16.

Response was so positive to last year's gift guide for booklovers, that we've compiled our second annual guide (page 24). It will make your holiday shopping easy, but please remember the best gift of all--give BIBR subscriptions! (See subscription form in this issue, or call 800-783-3199).

William E. Cox President/Editor-in-Chief