Ralph Ellison was a prominent African American author and scholar in Black history. He is best known for his critically acclaimed novel "Invisible Man," which was published in 1952. The novel deals with issues of race, identity, and inequality in America, and it is considered a classic of African American literature.

Ellison was born in Oklahoma City in 1913 and grew up in a time of entrenched racial segregation and discrimination. He studied music and literature at Tuskegee Institute before moving to New York City to pursue a career in writing. In addition to his novel "Invisible Man," Ellison also wrote essays, short stories, and literary criticism that explored the complexities of the Black experience in America.

Throughout his career, Ellison was a leading voice in discussions about race, art, and identity, and he was a mentor to many younger writers and intellectuals. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its insights into the African American experience and its enduring relevance to discussions of race and inequality in America.