Chuck Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chuck Stone
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Chuck Stone
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| Birth name | Charles Sumner Stone, Jr. |
| Born | July 21, 1924 St. Louis, Missouri |
| Died | April 6, 2014 (aged 89) near Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces, Tuskegee Airman |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tuskegee Airmen |
| Alma mater | Wesleyan University University of Chicago |
| Other work | newspaper editor, columnist, professor of journalism, author |
Charles Sumner "Chuck" Stone, Jr. (born July 21, 1924 – died April 6, 2014) was an American pilot, newspaper editor, and professor. He was also an author.
Chuck Stone was a brave member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. These were the first African-American military pilots in the U.S. armed forces. He also helped start the National Association of Black Journalists. He was their first president from 1975 to 1977. Chuck Stone cared deeply about fairness for all people. He always spoke his mind, even if it was unpopular.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chuck Stone was born on July 21, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. During World War II, he served his country as a Tuskegee Airman.
After the war, Stone went to Wesleyan University. He studied political science and economics. He was the first African-American undergraduate student there in many years. He graduated in 1948 and even gave the graduation speech. Later, he earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of Chicago.
After college, he worked for a department store. He was the first African-American executive there. He also spent two years helping people in Egypt, Gaza, and India with an organization called CARE.
A Career in Journalism
Becoming a Journalist
Chuck Stone started his journalism career in 1958. He became a reporter for The New York Age newspaper. Soon after, he was promoted to editor. From 1972 to 1991, he wrote columns for The Philadelphia Daily News.
Stone was known for being a trusted person in Philadelphia. He often helped people who wanted to turn themselves in to the police. They trusted him more than the police. More than 75 people chose to surrender to Stone instead of the police directly.
Teaching and Awards
Chuck Stone also taught journalism at several universities. He was a visiting professor at Syracuse University. He also taught at the University of Delaware. Later, he became a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He retired from teaching in 2005.
Stone was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize. This is a very important award for journalists. In 2004, he was added to the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.
In 2007, Chuck Stone received a special honor. He and other Tuskegee Airmen were given the Congressional Gold Medal. This award recognized their brave service during World War II. President George W. Bush presented the medal.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Chuck Stone was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to end unfair treatment of African Americans. He also supported the Black Power movement. He worked as an editor for several African-American newspapers. These included the New York Age and the Chicago Daily Defender.
He also worked for three years with Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.. Stone helped him write speeches. Powell was a very important leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
Personal Life
Chuck Stone was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. This group works on important social and political issues. He was married to Louise Davis Stone for 49 years. They had three children: Krishna, Allegra, and Charles Stone III. His son, Charles Stone III, is a famous director. He directed movies like Drumline.
Death and Legacy
Chuck Stone passed away on April 6, 2014, at 89 years old. He is remembered for his important work. Many people say he was the main reason the National Association of Black Journalists became so successful. He helped make newsrooms more diverse, meaning they had people from many different backgrounds.
There is a special program named after him. The Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in Education and Media helps high school students learn about journalism. It honors his lasting impact.
Books by Chuck Stone
Non-fiction
- Tell It Like It Is. 1967.
- Black Political Power in America. 1968.
Fiction
- King Strut (a novel). 1970.
- Squizzy the Black Squirrel: A Fabulous Fable of Friendship. 2003. ISBN: 0940880717.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
- Tuskegee Airmen
