Are leaders made, or are they born? Considering the various types of black leaders portrayed in Invisible Man, this conundrum that has puzzled scholars throughout the ages raises questions regarding the unique qualities that define black leadership, as opposed to those that define leadership in general.
Invisible Man portrays numerous profiles of black leaders and leadership styles. While some are based on historical figures (such as Booker T. Washington, Louis Armstrong, and Marcus Garvey), others are based on character types such as the powerful black Southern preacher (Rev. Homer A. Barbee) and the black educator (Dr. Bledsoe). In his speech at West Point, describing the writing process for Invisible Man, Ellison states that he was "concerned with the nature of leadership," and by the lack of effective black leaders in America. Examples of various leadership roles explored throughout the novel that illustrate some of the issues involved in developing effective black leaders follow. In each case, the individuals who assume these leadership roles are limited by society, which consistently reminds them not to "go too fast." Also, the narrator assumes several of these roles as he undergoes his gradual transformation from "ranter to writer."
