Book Launch for Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible to be Held at the Ralph Ellison Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY - JANUARY 13, 2026: The Ralph Ellison Library will host the official launch of Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible on Thursday, January 15 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. The book, written by Quraysh Ali Lansana, is the latest volume published in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame's I Am Oklahoma Children's Series.
Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible chronicles the life of the Oklahoma City native whose work Invisible Man earned the National Book Award and has been translated into 17 languages. The children's biography celebrates the life of Ralph Ellison while introducing young readers to difficult conversations about race, history, and identity.
“The I Am Oklahoma Children’s Series was created to provide engaging and historically accurate biographies for elementary-aged students, enhancing the resources available to educators," said Gini Moore Campbell, vice president of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. "Through the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Library Distribution Program, one copy of each biography is placed in every public elementary school library statewide.”
The book launch event is a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Metropolitan Library System, the Tri City Collective, and the Ralph Ellison Foundation. It will take place at the Ralph Ellison Library, located at 2000 NE 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. The evening will include remarks from author Lansana at 5:00 p.m.
Lansana has written more than 20 books in poetry, non-fiction, and children's literature. He works at the University of Tulsa, where he is an Applied Associate Professor of English/Creative Writing and Media Studies and Director of both the African American Studies program and the Media Lab. Lansana has been widely recognized for his work in radio, film, and print media. He is Executive Producer of KOSU/NPR's award-winning "Focus: Black Oklahoma" monthly radio program. Lansana received a 2022 Emmy Award, among others, for his roles as host and consultant for the OETA (PBS) documentary film Tulsa Race Massacre: 100 Years Later. He is a founding member of Tri-City Collective and serves on the Board of Directors of Oklahoma Humanities and the Tulsa Press Club.
Ralph Ellison: More Than Invisible is also shared through the Oklahoma Hall of Fame's Oklahoma Originals program. This outreach effort brings lessons about impactful Oklahomans directly to classrooms, along with art curriculum, supplies, and free books. The Ralph Ellison Oklahoma Originals lesson will be shared with all Oklahoma City Public Schools third grade students this school year.
More information about Oklahoma Hall of Fame publishing and programs can be found online at oklahomahof.com. Questions about the book launch event at Ralph Ellison Library can be directed to Gini Moore Campbell at gmc@oklahomahof.com.
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
