Chester Himes
Chester Himes
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Born as Chester Bomar Himes on July 29, 1909, in Jefferson, Ohio, he was often referred to as "Chet" by those close to him.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: July 29, 1909
Died: November 12, 1984
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Chester Himes held American nationality and worked primarily as a writer, best known for his crime novels.
Early Life and Background
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Himes grew up in a middle-class family with his mother and two younger brothers. His father abandoned the family when Chester was young, leaving them struggling financially. This experience had a profound impact on Himes' life and writing. He attended Ohio State University, where he began to develop his interest in literature.
However, it wasn't until he was imprisoned for armed robbery at age 19 that Himes discovered his true passion for writing. During his nine-year incarceration, he started writing short stories and novels using the limited resources available to him.
Major Accomplishments
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Himes' writing career spanned over five decades and produced numerous notable works. Some of his most famous novels include:
"If He Hollers Let Him Go" (1945): A semi-autobiographical novel exploring themes of racism, identity, and the American Dream.
"Cotton Comes to Harlem" (1965): A crime novel that marked a significant shift in Himes' writing style, blending elements of mystery, humor, and social commentary.
Himes' work has been widely acclaimed for its unique blend of gritty realism, poetic language, and unflinching portrayal of the African American experience during the 20th century.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his novels, Himes was also a prolific essayist and poet. His essays often explored themes of racism, social justice, and personal freedom. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans and a fierce critic of systemic racism in America.
Himes' life was marked by controversy and struggle. Despite facing financial difficulties, racial prejudice, and personal losses, he continued to write with unflinching honesty and passion.
Impact and Legacy
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Chester Himes' impact on literature extends far beyond his own work. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential African American writers of the 20th century. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be studied in academic circles worldwide.
Himes' legacy is not only about his writing but also about the courage he showed in speaking truth to power, challenging societal norms, and refusing to conform to expectations. He remains an inspiration for writers, activists, and anyone who seeks to challenge the status quo.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Himes' quotes are often sought after because of their poignant commentary on racism, inequality, and social justice. His words offer a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
In an era marked by division and uncertainty, Chester Himes' life and work serve as a testament to the power of literature to challenge, inspire, and transform individuals and society alike.
Quotes by Chester Himes
For he reached the conclusion that everything he had ever seen, or had ever done, or had ever dreamed of doing would in the end betray him. That no matter what you had been, or ever hoped to be, a foot of greenish vomit hanging from your teeth would make you much the same as any other bastard.
You bring the list to me at midnight. I’ll be waiting down by the Harlem River underneath the subway extension to the Polo Grounds in my cah, and I’ll pay you right then and there. It will be dark and deserted at that time of night and nobody’ll see you.” Barry.
Don’t ever lean your whole weight on happiness, Jimmy. You fall too hard too hard when it gives away.
American violence is public life, it’s a public way of life, it became a form, a detective story form. So I should think that any number of black writers should go into the detective story form.
If you’re a police officer then I want to report that Chink Charlie pushed me out of the window to my death, but God placed the body of Christ on the ground to break my fall.” “It was a basket of bread,” the sergeant corrected. “The body of Christ,” Reverend Short maintained.
Colored folks in Harlem didn’t want to get caught by the police whether they had done anything or not.
Our highest ambition is to be included in the stream of American life, to be permitted to “play the game” as any other American; and is opposed to anything that aids in the exclusion; the face may be Africa, but the heart has the beat of Wall Street.
Martyrs are needed to create incidents. Incidents are needed to create revolutions. Revolutions are needed to create progress.
There is an indomitable quality within the human spirit that cannot be destroyed; a face deep within the human personality that is impregnable to all assaults.