Phillips Murrah's Paying It Forward amplifies the message of one non-profit organization each month, all year long.
In Dec. 2020, Phillips Murrah partnered with Oklahoma NPR radio station KGOU to sponsor broadcast announcements each month that shine a light on a selected non-profit organization. Our aim is to amplify each beneficiary organizations’ needs and goals, and to help increase awareness, drive volunteer quality and quantity, assist in fundraising support, and improve capacity to deliver service to the community.
Our Paying it Forward beneficiary in February 2025 is the Ralph Ellison Foundation. #PIFOKC
Ralph Ellison Foundation
February is Black History Month in the United States, an annual observance celebrating the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans. Phillips Murrah is honored to support Ralph Ellison Foundation as our Paying it Forward beneficiary this February.
Ralph Ellison (1914–1994) was an influential American writer, essayist, and cultural critic, best known for his groundbreaking novel Invisible Man (1952), which explores themes of race, identity, and individuality in mid-20th-century America. Born in Oklahoma City, Ellison was profoundly shaped by his hometown’s rich cultural heritage and the complexities of its racial history. His work transcended traditional narratives, blending social commentary with deeply personal storytelling.
Ellison’s Oklahoma roots run deep, grounding the foundation’s efforts in the rich and distinct culture of our state and city. While Oklahoma’s racial history is complex, the foundation draws inspiration from the uniquely Oklahoman spirit of resilience, community, and optimism as we work toward a brighter future together.
To honor Ralph Ellison’s life and work, the foundation is commissioning a custom public art installation in Deep Deuce, celebrating his profound legacy in the heart of Oklahoma City. Community members are invited to join in this tribute by sponsoring bricks that will surround the installation, creating a lasting monument to Ellison’s impact. Sponsors at varying levels can add their name, a brief quote, or a personal message about Ellison’s enduring influence, ensuring his contributions are remembered for generations to come.
Visit The Ralph Ellison Foundation on social media:
Previous Beneficiaries
January 2025: The Dragonfly Home
December 2024: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
November 2024: OILS
October 2024: Palomar
September 2024: Tenaciously Teal
August 2024: Sunbeam Family Services
July 2024: Wings: Special Needs Community
June 2024: Oklahoma Pride Alliance
May 2024: Mental Health Association Oklahoma
April 2024: CASA of Oklahoma County, Inc.
March 2024: Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc.
February 2024: Northeast OKC Renaissance Inc.
January 2024: The Dragonfly Home
December 2023: Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Justice Center
November 2023: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
October 2023: YWCA Oklahoma City
September 2023: ReMerge Oklahoma
August 2023: CREW-OKC
July 2023: Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled
June 2023: Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter
May 2023: Sunbeam Family Services
April 2023: Make-A-Wish Oklahoma
March 2023: Focus on Home
February 2023: Open Design Collective
January 2023: Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City
December 2022: City Rescue Mission
November 2022: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
October 2022: Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Justice Center
September 2022: Oklahoma Single Parent Scholarship Program
August 2022: Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation
July 2022: Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma
June 2022: Pivot Oklahoma – A Turning Point for Youth
May 2022: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
April 2022: The Nature Conservancy Oklahoma
March 2022: Suited For Success
February 2022: Children’s Hospital Foundation
January 2022: Positive Tomorrows
December 2021: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
November 2021: Infant Crisis Services
October 2021: Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Inc.
September 2021: OKC Beautiful
August 2021: Bethesda, Inc.
July 2021: Oklahoma Humane Society
June 2021: Arts Council Oklahoma City
May 2021: Partners in Public Health
April 2021: CASA of Oklahoma County
March 2021: The Homeless Alliance
February 2021: Mental Health Association Oklahoma
January 2021: Positive Tomorrows
December 2020: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma