Meaning: Toni Morrison, a renowned novelist and the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, is known for her powerful and thought-provoking commentary on issues of race, identity, and social injustice. The quote "Black boys became criminalized. I was in constant dread for their lives, because they were targets everywhere. They still are," encapsulates the profound concern and urgency that Morrison expressed regarding the vulnerability and mistreatment of black boys in society.

Morrison's statement speaks to the pervasive and deeply ingrained racial biases and prejudices that have led to the criminalization and targeting of black boys. The phrase "Black boys became criminalized" reflects the insidious process through which societal perceptions and systemic structures have unfairly labeled and stigmatized young black males, often leading to their unjust treatment within various social institutions, including law enforcement, education, and the criminal justice system.

The phrase "I was in constant dread for their lives" conveys Morrison's personal anguish and fear for the safety and well-being of black boys, reflecting the profound emotional impact of witnessing the systemic injustices and dangers faced by this demographic. Her use of the word "dread" underscores the pervasive sense of foreboding and concern that permeates her experience and perception of the threats faced by black boys in their everyday lives.

Moreover, Morrison's assertion that black boys "were targets everywhere" highlights the pervasive nature of the challenges and dangers confronted by young black males. This recognition of the ubiquity of the threats they face underscores the systemic and institutionalized nature of the discrimination and violence directed at them, whether in public spaces, educational environments, or encounters with law enforcement.

The closing statement "They still are" serves as a poignant reminder that the issues Morrison identified persist and continue to affect black boys in contemporary society. Despite progress in some areas, the enduring prevalence of racial profiling, discriminatory practices, and violence against black boys underscores the ongoing urgency of addressing these systemic injustices and working towards meaningful change.

Morrison's quote resonates with the broader discourse on racial inequality and social justice, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by black boys and the imperative of confronting and dismantling the structures that perpetuate their marginalization and mistreatment. Her words serve as a call to action, challenging individuals and society as a whole to confront and rectify the systemic biases and injustices that threaten the lives and well-being of black boys.

In conclusion, Toni Morrison's quote powerfully captures her deep concern for the plight of black boys in a society where they are unjustly criminalized and targeted. Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring challenges and dangers faced by black boys and underscore the ongoing need for collective efforts to address systemic injustices and work towards a more equitable and just society.