Tulsa Students Collaborate on New Book Celebrating Ralph Ellison

A new book titled “Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible” celebrates the life and legacy of renowned American writer Ralph Waldo Ellison. Authored by Quraysh Ali Lansana, this publication is part of the I Am Oklahoma Children’s Series and aims to provide educational resources to schools and public libraries throughout the state. The book officially launches on October 16, 2023, at the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Lansana’s work benefits from the contributions of Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge students, particularly Brianna Burk and Isaac McGill. This marks a significant milestone for Lansana, as it is the first of his four children’s literature books to include university student collaborators. Burk, majoring in psychology, expressed her excitement about learning more about Ellison and the experiences of fellow Black Oklahomans in the early 20th century. She noted, “I always knew that I wanted to be involved in writing. 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 neighborhood in Oklahoma City. His early life was shaped by a passion for photography and music, leading him to receive a scholarship to the music school at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After serving in the Merchant Marines in 1945, Ellison and his wife, Fanny, relocated to Vermont in hopes of improving his health. It was during this period that he famously penned the line, “I am an invisible man,” which became the foundation for his acclaimed novel, “The Invisible Man.”

Burk found Ellison’s photography particularly inspiring. “Some of his photos were very calming, peaceful and relaxing while others were more chaotic,” she recalled. “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.” Lansana’s book details Ellison’s childhood discovery of a large photo lens, which sparked his lifelong interest in photography.

Ellison embraced various forms of storytelling throughout his life. “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 explained. She and McGill view their involvement in “More Than Invisible” as a significant achievement, marking their first publication credit.

Lansana expressed his pride in having Burk and McGill recognized as associate editors of the book. He is set to embark on a statewide tour to promote both the book and Ellison’s enduring legacy. The official launch event is hosted by the Center for Poets and Writers at OSU-Tulsa, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with the work and the rich history it represents.

“Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible” not only honors the author’s literary contributions but also highlights the importance of collaboration in education and the arts. The book serves as a testament to the impact of storytelling across generations and the ongoing relevance of Ellison’s work.