Charles W. Chesnutt

Charles Waddell Chesnutt 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. Two of his books were adapted as silent films in 1926 and 1927 by the African-American director and producer Oscar Micheaux. Following the Civil Rights Movement during the 20th century, interest in the works of Chesnutt was revived. Several of his books were published in new editions, and he received formal recognition. A commemorative stamp was printed in 2008.

20 June 1858

Born on the same birth day (20 June): Alexander Winton • Bob Vila • Byron Farwell • DeQuan Jones • Franco Semioli • George Carpenter (Salvation Army) • Jim Barker (politician) • John Waine • Kelly Johnson (guitarist) • Kurt Schwitters • Old Style and New Style dates • Terence Young (director) • Thomas Jefferson (musician)

Born in the same month (June 1858): Andrew Forsyth • Eben Sumner Draper • George Washington Goethals • Giuseppe De Sanctis • Gustaf V • Harry Johnston • Hastings Rashdall • Julia Lathrop • Medardo Rosso • Sam Walter Foss