The first African American to earn a Nobel Prize in Literature was Ralph Ellison, awarded in 1953. He received this honor for his novel "Invisible Man," which explores themes of identity, race, and social injustice in America. Ellison’s work resonated powerfully with the African American experience, offering a profound commentary on the complexities of individual identity within a racially stratified society. His achievement paved the way for future generations of black writers, reaffirming the importance of cultural expression and the significance of addressing societal issues through literature.