An Exemplary Citizen: Letters of Charles W. Chesnutt, 1906-1932: Letters of Charles W. Chesnutt, 1906-1932This book collects the letters written between 1906 and 1932 by novelist and civil rights activist Charles W. Chesnutt (1858-1932). Between 1885 and 1905, this pioneer in the African-American literary tradition published three novels, two books of short stories, a biography of Frederick Douglass, and many short stories and essays in prestigious periodicals at the same time managing a stenography and court reporting firm in Cleveland, Ohio. His works, which featured the experiences of African-Americans in the ante- and post-bellum period, received favorable reviews. But they did not find a large and appreciative audience until many decades later when both the civil rights movement and increased interest in the African-American contribution to American cultural life resulted in the rediscovering of Chesnutt's large body of writings. Though he never saw the publication of another of his book-length manuscripts after 1905, Chesnutt continued to write fiction and essays, and to deliver speeches ranging from disenfranchisement to the life and works of Alexandre Dumas, and to act in behalf of the African-American cause through such organizations as the Committee of Twelve and the N.A.A.C.P. A dedicated integrationist opposed to race-pride movements of all kinds, Chesnutt in his post-1905 letters includes many references to the unfortunate consequences of racial segregation, addressed to both African-American and white correspondents. These letters also reveal a multi-faceted personality with interests that transcended the issue of race and urged everyone to live life to the fullest. His correspondents included prominent members of the Harlem Renaissance as well as major American political figures Chesnutt sought to influence on behalf of his fellow African-Americans. As a successful businessman enjoying the amenities of upper middle class American life, a family man, and an Episcopalian who worshipped at a white church, Chesnutt in many respects embodied the realization of the American Dream. He was, as William Dean Howells termed Booker T. Washington, an exemplary citizen and a role model for all Americans. |
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2See African Americans April asked August Baker Booker Browne Carl Van Vechten Cedars Charles Waddell Chesnutt Chas Chesnutt refers Chicago Cleveland Gazette Committee of Twelve Conjure Woman copy Cordially Court daughter dear Dr Dear Sir December Dorothy editor Edwin enclose Essays and Speeches Ethel Chesnutt Williams February glad Hallinan Helen hope Houghton Mifflin Company House Hugh informed Chesnutt interest James Weldon Johnson January July June letter to Chesnutt literary manuscript March Marrow of Tradition matter Micheaux Film Corporation Negro newspaper Nigger Heaven novel November OCIWHi OCIWHi Sincerely October Ohio Oscar Micheaux Pioneer president published race problem replied Rowfant Rowfant Club School sent September served short story South Southern Spingarn suggested thank thing tion TNF Sincerely truly Tuskegee U.S. senator University vote W. E. B. Du Bois Walter Washington Wetmore Wife write written wrote