North Side in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Charles Sidney Gilpin

1878–1930

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017

1. Charles Sidney Gilpin Marker

Inscription. Charles Sidney Gilpin grew up here in Jackson Ward. He apprenticed in the Richmond Planet print shop before beginning his theater career and becoming one of the most highly regarded actors of the 1920s. Gilpin is best known for his title role in Eugene O’Neill’s Broadway play Emperor Jones, for which he won the Drama League Award and the Spingarn Medal, and was named Crisis magazine Man of the Year (1921). The Drama League declared Gilpin one of ten people who had done the most for American theater. Gilpin was also honored at the White House during President Warren G. Harding’s administration.

Erected 2007 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-77.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #29 Warren G. Harding, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 37° 33.139′ N, 77° 26.37′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the North Side. Marker is at the intersection of West Charity Street and Saint Peter Street on West Charity Street

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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Friends Asylum for Colored Orphans (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); John Jasper (about 800 feet away); Maggie Lena Walker (1864-1934) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Leigh Street Armory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ebenezer Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richmond’s First African American Police Officers (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. Gilpin's Broadway debut led to his being cast in the premier of Eugene O’Neill’s The Emperor Jones. He played the lead role of Brutus Jones to great critical acclaim, including a lauded review by writer Hubert Harrison in Negro World. Gilpin’s achievement resulted in the Drama League of New York’s naming him as one of the 10 people in 1920 who had done the most for American theater. He was the first black American so honored. Following the Drama League’s refusal to rescind the invitation, Gilpin refused to decline it. When the League invited Gilpin to their presentation dinner, some people found it controversial.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017

2. Charles Sidney Gilpin Marker

At the dinner, he was given a standing ovation of unusual length when he accepted his award. (Submitted on September 4, 2017.)

Charles Sidney Gilpin (1878–1930) image. Click for full size.

Via Wikipedia English

3. Charles Sidney Gilpin (1878–1930)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 522 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.