Honoring Black History: Charles Sidney Gilpin’s journey from Richmond to Broadway

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Do you know the story of the Richmond-born man who rose to be one of the nation's most prominent Black actors during the 1920s and the Harlem Renaissance? You may have already heard his name without realizing it, if you've ever been to Gilpin Court.

Charles Sidney Gilpin was born in 1878 in Richmond's Jackson Ward neighborhood -- also known as "the Harlem of the South." He soon became a prominent figure in the history of American theater.

His journey from Richmond to Broadway embodies the struggle and triumph of Black artists during a time of significant racial barriers.

At just 18 years old, Gilpin left Richmond to pursue a life on the road and joined a traveling minstrel show, according to the city.

After a few years of touring with the minstrel show, he began taking on dramatic acting roles and performing with musical troupes. This resulted in Gilpin landing in New York City, which paved the way for him to perform in some of Harlem's most significant theaters.

Some of his most significant performances include his roles in plays like "Abraham Lincoln" and "The Emperor Jones."

He has been honored with many accolades, such as being the first African American Actor acknowledged in the Drama League in 1920 and the recipient of the NAACP medal in 1921. He was celebrated by then-president Warren Harding at a White House dinner.

Historic Black business continues its multigenerational success in downtown Richmond

Richmond's first low-income housing project, Gilpin Court, was named in honor of Charles Sidney Gilpin in 1941 -- recognizing him as one of the most significant Black Americans to come from Richmond.

Gilpin's life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the rich history of Black performers in Richmond and their contributions to the arts.