Tulsa Students Inspire New Book on Ralph Ellison’s Legacy

A new book titled “Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible” has been released, showcasing the life and contributions of the renowned American author Ralph Waldo Ellison. Written by Applied Associate Professor Quraysh Ali Lansana, the book is part of the “I Am Oklahoma Children’s Series”, published by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Press. This initiative aims to provide free literature to schools and public libraries throughout the state.

The book holds particular significance for Lansana, who has previously published three children’s literature works. This project marks his first collaboration with students from the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge. Students Brianna Burk and Isaac McGill contributed to the book, enhancing its exploration of Ellison’s legacy.

Students’ Perspectives on Ellison’s Impact

Burk, who is pursuing a degree in psychology, found her research into Ellison’s life and the experiences of Black Oklahomans in the early 20th century enlightening. “I always knew that I wanted to be involved in writing,” she said. “I love the process of creating stories, and it is a privilege to be able to tell someone else’s story.”

Ellison’s journey began on March 1, 1914, in Deep Deuce, a historically significant yet segregated neighborhood in Oklahoma City. His passion for photography and music emerged early in his life, leading him to earn a scholarship to the music school at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

In 1945, Ellison rejoined the Merchant Marines but fell ill, prompting a move to a farm in Vermont with his wife, Fanny. It was here that he penned the iconic line, “I am an invisible man,” which would evolve into his acclaimed novel “The Invisible Man.” This work is now regarded as one of the great American classics.

Creative Connections Explored

Burk expressed a particular admiration for Ellison’s photography, describing some of his images as “calming, peaceful and relaxing,” while others conveyed a sense of chaos. “I thought it was beautiful to have such a creative mind that was not only able to write but capture an entire story in one photograph,” she reflected.

Ellison’s fascination with photography began in his youth when he discovered a large photo lens in an alley, using it to explore his imagination. As an adult, he employed photography as a creative outlet, documenting his environment and generating ideas for his writing. “He had more than one way of telling a story, and photography, music, and art are other ways of telling a story. All this fed into his writing,” Burk noted, appreciating the interplay of different artistic mediums.

For both Burk and McGill, their work on “More Than Invisible” marks their first publication credits. Lansana expressed his gratitude for their contributions, stating, “It was an honor for me to have two students who worked with me listed as associate editors of a book.”

The launch event for “Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible” is scheduled for October 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity. The event is hosted by the Center for Poets and Writers at OSU-Tulsa and is expected to highlight Ellison’s enduring influence on literature and culture.