The Ralph Ellison Foundation stands alone as the premier Literary Arts Organization in Oklahoma City. In 2017, the success of our “In the Light Bulb Room” series revealed to us the durability of our model for high-minded community conversations about race and society as we developed it throughout the year. Expanding the series statewide with support from Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities meant adapting it for different topics and specific localities. Moving it from Oklahoma City to Tulsa, Stillwater, and Norman to reach a diverse cross section of Oklahomans and address their various interests, we also experienced a remarkable degree of enthusiasm from session participants that underscores the importance of these conversations on the local level. These forums have allowed us to engage over 1,000 people statewide. With proper funding, the Foundation can continue these forums throughout the state of Oklahoma. We believe the kinds of issues we’ve addressed are equally relevant to those living in the forgotten areas of our state.

Our Creative Writing Workshops have showcased some of the most talented writers, poets, and scholars in Oklahoma. Adults and student attendees continue to improve their writing skills. They are exposed to multiple genres in our workshops and many have gone on to write their own book. Beyond learning writing skills, they are challenged to view the world through the eyes of the presenter, thereby enriching their perspective of other peoples and cultures. With proper funding, the Foundation can carry the Creative Writing Workshops throughout Oklahoma, create a publishing company to publish local authors to highlight the stories of Oklahoma.

With a grant from Oklahoma Humanities, the Foundation was able to create a curriculum based on Ralph Ellison’s “Flying Home and Other Stories,” a collection of Ellison’s short fiction published after the author’s passing in 1994. The curriculum is available to high school teachers free. We have had over 200 downloads from our website. By using the curriculum, teacher will engage students with Ellison’s stories and linked themes of racial conflict, troubled identity, assimilation, rebellion, loss and grief, the yearning to belong, fulfillment found through adversity, and the struggle for social justice. With proper funding, the Foundation would like to conduct teaching training seminars regarding the most efficient way to utilize the curriculum and provide the book to schools free of charge.

Last year, the Ralph Ellison Foundation Mural Project was piloted at Classen High School Of Advanced Studies. It was a huge success. Teacher, Tony Dyke used the Mural Project curriculum in his photography class and his students were able to express their challenges and future aspirations through taking photos of their rooms, neighborhoods, daily activities, and images of what they desire for their futures. With proper funding, this project curriculum can be used in middle and high schools throughout Oklahoma.

Also, the artwork will be displayed as a traveling Mural Display exhibit bringing attention to problems facing our students and their hopes & dreams.

The Ralph Ellison Foundation Reading Clinic has helped students pass the 3rd grade reading test for the past 4 years. The Clinic serves students from the 1st to 5th grade. Our volunteers are passionate about reading and they live to see a child’s face glow from learning how to read and

Each year, the Foundation hosts the Ralph Ellison Festival and Gala in Ellison’s honor as a way of increasing awareness of his life and work to broader cultural audiences. 

The Foundation also envisions long-term goals of establishing a multicultural center in Oklahoma City as well as honoring Ellison with a birthplace marker and statue.