I remember having read INVISIBLE MAN, by Ralph Ellison, (NOT The Invisible Man) in high school—with Mr. Ralph Remiss (AP Lit) at Miami Edison Senior High; then discussing it in college at UM, with Mr. Wellington B. Johnson (African American Studies)—one of the best and my favorite instructors, by far. I was intellectually transformed, by the experiences. My entire worldview was interrupted. I went on to select its inclusion in my AP summer reading list (MLEC), along with the other European and Caribbean staple/canon reads. If you read Dostoyevsky’s “Notes From the Underground”, you’ll enjoy the dialogue and development in Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison—who adds yet another layer of “invisibility”. Each time I read “Invisible Man”, or reviewed it, I gained new insight and understanding. It’s because each time I was a bit older, and hand more experiences to connect or relate in context. It still “speaks” to me—and, apparently my students. I remember one student who after reading “invisible Man”, said, “I can relate to this. This is me. People try not to look at me, or look pass me. Others prejudge me.” You see, he was “the darker brother” and wore his hair in locs, at the time. He was a strong and confident young man. Yet, he held the pain of being “invisible” to some folks. He taught me something. What we do affects kids so much, that we damn well better be intentional and careful. They see and watch us—and how we handle things. As an instructor, I made it my business to be intentional, careful, and caring. My students were never invisible in my care—in my class. That student and I had a discussion, after school. I encouraged him to persevere and hold strong. Just know, he went on to do great things—beyond my vision. He’s no longer invisible. They see him, now. 😉 ...but, now it’s “When They See Us. SIDE-NOTE: An”other student read, “The Invisible Man, not “Invisible Man, by accident. 😂🤷🏽♀️ #InvisibleMan #RalphEllison #RalphEllisonInvisibleMan https://www.instagram.com/p/B8WeyDUBRlRFMbHo0yKFNH10qaH0auTNpxn-2E0/?igshid=xe5vxvn52wkt
