Inducted: 1982
RALPH “WALDO” ELLISON (1914-1994) began writing seriously in 1939 and is the author of short stories and essays in various journals and magazines. His 1952 novel, Invisible Man, won the National Book Award in 1953. In 1965, a poll of authors, critics and editors judged that novel “the most distinguished single work” published in the last 20 years. President Johnson gave him a Medal of Freedom in 1969. Ellison, born and reared in Oklahoma City, holds honorary degrees from twelve colleges and universities, and his numerous other awards, affiliations and trusteeships attest to his stature as a writer. He taught and lectured at institutions throughout this country and Europe and was professor emeritus of the humanities at New York University.
