Charles Sidney Gilpin
Photo Credit: New York Public Library Digital Collections
About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Charles Sidney Gilpin
Born on November 20, 1878, in the Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond, Charles Sidney Gilpin was considered to be one of the most highly regarded stage actors of the 1920s.
At the age of 18, Mr. Gilpin joined a traveling minstrel show, leaving Richmond behind for a life on the road. After several years of touring, Mr. Gilpin began performing with musical troupes as well as acting in dramatic roles. He eventually ended up in New York City, where he performed in several plays in prominent Harlem theaters. In 1919, Mr. Gilpin landed a role on Broadway when he was cast in the premier of Abraham Lincoln, a play about the 16th U.S. President. His outstanding performance in Abraham Lincoln resulted in his being cast as the lead of the tragic play The Emperor Jones in 1920, and his performance as Brutus Jones was met with great critical acclaim.
Charles Sidney Gilpin received many honors and accolades during his career: he was the first Black actor to be honored by the Drama League in 1920, recipient of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Spingarn Medal in 1921, and was honored by President Warren G. Harding at a White House dinner that same year. In 1991, Charles Sidney Gilpin was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Designation Area:
The 1000, 1100, and 1200 blocks of St. James Street have been given the honorary designation of Charles Gilpin Crossing.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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