Writer/author Charles Chesnutt honored on 31st Black Heritage Series Stamp

Image of Charles W. Chesnutt stamp DENVER, CO — Charles Chesnutt — a gifted writer, educator. lawyer and distinguished author who explored the African American experience and racial relations — was honored on a new 41-cent U.S. postage stamp on Jan. 31. Chesnutt becomes the 31st honoree in the popular annual Black Heritage stamp series.

Chesnutt is considered the first African- American writer to receive major acclaim. He made an important breakthrough when his short story, “The Goophered Grapevine,” appeared in the August 1887 issue of Atlantic Monthly.

Chesnutt (1858–1932) was widely known as a major innovator and singular voice among turn-of-the-century literary realists who probed the color line in American life. Chesnutt was of mixed racial descent, and provided insight into various perspectives along America’s color line.

His writings included short stories, essays, poems, a biography of Frederick Douglass, and several unpublished works. Chesnutt was politically active and frequently spoke out against racial discrimination. His writings were noted for being courageous, insightful, probing and inspiring in the fight for racial equality and improved civil rights.

In 1928, Chesnutt received the Spingarn Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for his “distinguished service” to African Americans. The NAACP cited Chesnutt’s “pioneer work as a literary artist depicting the life and struggles of Americans of Negro descent.” Chesnutt died at his home in Cleveland, Ohio in 1932.

The new 41-cent Charles Chesnutt Stamp was dedicated at a national ceremony Jan. 31 at the Cleveland, OH Public Library. The stamp is now available at Post Offices nationwide, by calling 1-800-STAMP-24, and at usps.com.

The Postal Service began issuing its popular Black Heritage stamp series in 1978 with a stamp honoring Harriet Tubman. Chesnutt joins a long list of legendary African-American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers and athletes. They include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Jackie Robinson, Scott Joplin, Carter G. Woodson, Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Allison Davis, Bessie Coleman, Ernest E. Just, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., Madam C.J. Walker, Patricia Roberts Harris, Roy Wilkins, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson and last year’s honoree Ella Fitzgerald.

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