![]() ![]() ![]() In many southern states at the time of his birth, Chesnutt would have been considered legally white if he had chosen to identify so. Given his majority-European ancestry, Chesnutt could " pass" as a white man, but he never chose to do so. He identified as African American but noted that he was seven-eighths white. His paternal grandfather was known to be a white slaveholder. He became active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, writing articles supporting education as well as legal challenges to discriminatory laws.Ĭhesnutt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Andrew Chesnutt and Ann Maria (née Sampson) Chesnutt, both " free persons of color" from Fayetteville, North Carolina. A commemorative stamp was printed in 2008.ĭuring the early 20th century in Cleveland, Chesnutt established what became a highly successful court reporting business, which provided his main income. Several of his books were published in new editions, and he received formal recognition. Following the Civil Rights Movement during the 20th century, interest in the works of Chesnutt was revived. Two of his books were adapted as silent films in 19 by the African-American director and producer Oscar Micheaux. Charles Waddell Chesnutt (J– November 15, 1932) was an American author, essayist, political activist and lawyer, best known for his novels and short stories exploring complex issues of racial and social identity in the post- Civil War South. ![]()
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