• Biography

Edmund A. Chester was an American journalist, civil rights activist, and diplomat. He was born in 1876 in Washington, D.C. and grew up in a family of modest means. He attended public schools in the city and graduated from Howard University in 1898.

Early Career

After graduating from Howard, Chester began his career as a journalist, working for the Washington Post and the Washington Evening Star. He was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and wrote extensively on the subject. He was also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Urban League.

In 1910, Chester was appointed as the U.S. consul to Liberia, making him the first African-American diplomat in U.S. history. He served in this role for two years, during which time he worked to improve the economic and political situation in the country. He also worked to improve the education system and to promote civil rights.

Civil Rights Activism

In 1912, Chester returned to the United States and resumed his career as a journalist. He continued to write about civil rights and was a vocal advocate for the cause. He was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as its president from 1914 to 1916.

During his tenure as president, Chester worked to expand the organization's reach and influence. He also worked to increase the number of African-American members and to promote civil rights legislation. He was a strong advocate for the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

Later Years

In the 1920s, Chester continued to work as a journalist and civil rights activist. He wrote for several newspapers and magazines, including the Chicago Defender and the New York Age. He also served as a consultant to the U.S. State Department on African-American affairs.

In the 1930s, Chester retired from journalism and moved to New York City. He continued to be active in civil rights causes and served as a consultant to the NAACP. He died in 1941 at the age of 65.

Legacy

Edmund A. Chester was a pioneering journalist and civil rights activist. He was the first African-American diplomat in U.S. history and was a founding member of the NAACP. He worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and was a strong advocate for the passage of the 19th Amendment. His legacy lives on in the work of the NAACP and other civil rights organizations.

Date modified: Apr 3, 2023
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