He is the author of the book, "Cut Dead But Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men" (May 1, 2013). He is also an ordained Baptist minister, a product of the Atlanta Public School System, and a proud alumnus of Frederick Douglass High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999 from Emory University and was the first black male inducted into the Emory College Hall of Fame. Rev. Ellison was the keynote speaker for the annual Modupe Dayo African themed graduation ceremony for the Class of 2013 held on May 11th in Cox Ballroom, giving a powerful charge to African American graduate candidates.