Ebele Oseye facts for kids

Ellease Ebele N. Oseye, born in 1943, is an amazing African-American writer and poet. She used to be known as Ellease Southerland. She even won a special award for her poetry called the Gwendolyn Brooks Award! Today, she teaches about African literature at Pace University.

Early Life

Ellease Oseye was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents had recently moved there from the southern United States. Her father, Monroe Penrose Southerland, was a preacher. Her mother, Ellease Dozier, took care of Ellease and her fourteen brothers and sisters at home.

Ellease grew up in a family that loved reading and writing. Her uncle would even read poetry during her father's Sunday services. This early encouragement helped her become the talented writer she is today.

Education and Career

Ellease Oseye went to Queens College and graduated in 1965. While she was a student there, she wrote a story called "White Shadows." After her mother passed away in 1965, Ellease started working in social services to help support her family.

She continued her education and earned a special degree called a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Columbia University in 1974. During her time at Columbia, and for a few years after, she also taught there.

By 2015, Ellease Oseye had become a professor at Pace University. She teaches in their Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, sharing her knowledge of African literature with students.

Writing Style

People often describe Ellease Oseye's writing as very "spiritual." Her stories and poems are also deeply connected to her family and their experiences. She uses her writing to explore important themes and share meaningful messages.

Notable Works

Ellease Oseye has written several important books. Here are some of her well-known works:

• The Magic Sun Spins (1975) - This is a collection of her beautiful poems.
• Let the Lion Eat Straw (1979) - This is a novel that tells a story inspired by her own life.

Awards and Recognition

Ellease Oseye has received many awards for her writing. These awards show how much her work is appreciated:

• John Golden Award for Fiction (1964) - She won this for her story "White Shadows."
• Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award (1972) - This award was for her poem called "Warlock."
• Best Books of 1979 by the American Library Association - Her novel Let the Lion Eat Straw was chosen as one of the best books of that year.
• Coretta Scott King Award (1980 honor) - She received this special honor for Let the Lion Eat Straw.