February 15, 2002

Ralph Ellison, Visible Man

By KRIN GABBARD

To Ralph Ellison, being American, whatever one's background, meant being somehow black.


Ralph Ellison: An American Journey will be broadcast on most PBS stations from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, February 19.

In 21st-century America, he seems more right than ever. The vocal inflections of nearly every white pop