Ralph Ellison Foundation Society
Founded in Oklahoma City upon the conclusion of the Ralph Ellison Centennial Celebration in 2014, the Ralph Ellison Foundation is committed to highlighting the accomplishments of the acclaimed author and to empowering the lives of others through his legacy in the areas of literacy, music, and the arts.
To accomplish these goals, the Foundation has focused recently on projects to engage both children and adults, such as conducting writing workshops and reading clinics, creating curricula and other learning materials based on Ellison’s work for schools, hosting community discussion forums and artistic events, establishing an annual Ralph Ellison Festival as well as sponsoring an annual gala in Ellison’s honor,
and partnering with other local organizations to support their efforts in promoting the kinds of cultural awareness and cooperation that bridge ethnic and demographic divides.
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. We plan to develop additional initiatives to help raise the profile of Oklahoma’s most significant literary contribution to the world and to further good works in his name in the areas of education, community development, artistic programming, and the pursuit of positive social change.
We hope you’ll join us in our efforts as we continue to grow and expand our vision.
ref society events
The Lasting Impact of Ralph Ellison's Stories
"a party down at the square"
Hosted By: Dr Josh Slifkin
REF Society, President
Date: February 20, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM CST
Place: Virtual
Pre-Registration Required
Membership Tiers & Benefits
01- Emerging Scholar - $50
Participate in Light Bulb Room
Ellisonian contributor
Selector for REF website
Quarterly zoom meeting discussion with experts
02 - The Brotherhood - $100
(Includes Emerging Scholar Level)
Monthly Book Club
Participant in Foundation programming
Annual Deep Deuce tour
Special events
03 - Battle Royal - $250
(Includes The Brotherhood Level)
Annual discussion with prominent author
Private Light Bulb Room event
Exclusive documentary / film screening viewing
Annual Holiday event
2 Annual VIP Gala tickets
Special events
Annual commemorative gift
04 - Flying Home - $500
(Includes Battle Royal and The Brotherhood Levels) does not include additional tickets
Bi-annual discussion with prominent authors
Museum Tours
4 Annual Gala VIP Tickets
OUR SPONSORS
- AT&T
- Audible
- BancFirst
- Blacken Studios
- Cooper House
- Cox
- Fowler Automotive
- Full Circle Bookstore
- Greater OKC Chamber
- Habitat for Humanity of Central Oklahoma
- Johnson & Associates
- Kirkpatrick Family Fund
- Langston University
- Larry Hellman
- Leslie & Cliff Hudson
- Lynn Institute
- Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City
- Metro Tech
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma City University School of Law
- OU Department of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Plains Management Group
- Price Edwards & Company
- Ralph & Fannie Ellison Charitable Trust
- Respect Diversity Foundation
- Sarah & Kyle Sweet
- Southern Nazarene University