Charles Chesnutt

Biography

Charles Chesnutt, born in 1858, became one of the first African American writers to gain national recognition, drawing on his mixed heritage and life in Cleveland to probe the complicated realities of race in America. His novels and short stories, including 'The Conjure Woman' and 'The House Behind the Cedars,' paired rich storytelling with persuasive arguments about justice and equality.

A tireless advocate for civil rights, he wrote essays for national newspapers and worked with organizations such as the NAACP to promote voting rights and legal fairness. His resting place at Lake View Cemetery anchors his legacy as a courageous voice in American letters.