Meaning: Toni Morrison's quote, "Black people are victims of an enormous amount of violence. None of those things can take place without the complicity of the people who run the schools and the city," addresses the systemic violence and oppression faced by Black individuals and the role of institutions and authorities in perpetuating this injustice. This powerful statement sheds light on the pervasive nature of violence against Black people and highlights the complicity of those in positions of power within the education system and local government.

Toni Morrison, a renowned novelist and essayist, was known for her powerful and unapologetic exploration of race, identity, and the African American experience. In this quote, she brings attention to the complex web of factors that contribute to the violence experienced by Black communities, emphasizing that it is not simply the result of individual actions, but rather deeply ingrained systemic issues.

The first part of the quote, "Black people are victims of an enormous amount of violence," unequivocally acknowledges the disproportionate violence and harm inflicted upon Black individuals. This violence manifests in various forms, including police brutality, institutional discrimination, economic inequality, and systemic racism. By acknowledging the extent of the violence, Morrison highlights the urgent need to address and dismantle these pervasive injustices.

Morrison's assertion that "None of those things can take place without the complicity of the people who run the schools and the city," underscores the accountability of those in positions of authority. She implicates the leaders and decision-makers within the education system and local government, suggesting that the perpetuation of violence against Black individuals is enabled and sustained by the actions, or inaction, of these individuals and institutions.

The reference to "the people who run the schools" points to the role of educators, administrators, and policymakers in perpetuating or challenging the systemic inequalities that impact Black students. Schools serve as microcosms of society, and the policies, practices, and curricula within educational institutions can either reinforce or challenge existing power dynamics and prejudices. Morrison's assertion calls attention to the responsibility of those within the education system to actively work towards creating safe, inclusive, and equitable environments for Black students.

Furthermore, when Morrison mentions "the people who run the city," she is drawing attention to the broader governance and leadership structures that influence the lives of Black residents. This encompasses political leaders, law enforcement, local government officials, and other influential figures who shape the policies and practices that directly impact the well-being and safety of Black communities. The complicity of these individuals and institutions in perpetuating systemic violence and inequality is a powerful indictment of the status quo.

In essence, Morrison's quote serves as a call to action, challenging those in positions of power to acknowledge their complicity in the violence experienced by Black people and to actively work towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate these injustices. It also urges individuals and communities to critically examine the role they play in either upholding or challenging systemic oppression and to advocate for meaningful change.

In conclusion, Toni Morrison's quote poignantly captures the pervasive violence faced by Black individuals and underscores the complicity of those in positions of authority within the education system and local government. It serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address systemic racism and inequality, and the collective responsibility to actively work towards a more just and equitable society.