Cyrus Colter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cyrus Colter
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| Born | Cyrus James Colter January 8, 1910 Noblesville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 15, 2002 (aged 92) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Writer; academic; lawyer |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1960–2002 |
| Notable works | The Beach Umbrella (1970) Night Studies (1979) The Amoralists and Other Tales (1988) A Chocolate Soldier (1988) |
| Spouse |
Imogene Mackay
(m. 1943; died 1984) |
Cyrus Colter (born January 8, 1910 – died April 15, 2002) was an American writer. He started writing short stories when he was 50 years old. Before that, he worked as a lawyer and in public service. Later, he taught at Northwestern University. He was the first African American professor to hold a special teaching position there. His stories and novels often showed the lives of everyday African Americans.
About Cyrus Colter
Cyrus Colter was born on January 8, 1910. His hometown was Noblesville, Indiana. His parents were James Alexander Colter and Ethel Marietta Basset Colter. His family had moved to Indiana in the 1830s. They were looking for a safe place for free Black people.
Cyrus's father worked in insurance. He was also an actor. He worked for the state's NAACP. This group works for the rights of African Americans. Cyrus's mother died when he was six years old.
Early Life and Education
Colter went to school in Youngstown, Ohio. His family moved there when he was young. He studied at Youngstown College. He also went to Ohio State University. He earned his first college degree during the Great Depression. This was a time when many people had no jobs.
In 1936, Colter moved to Chicago. He studied law at Chicago-Kent College of Law. He finished his law degree in 1940.
Military Service and Career
Colter served in the Army during World War II. He fought in Italy and became a captain. After the war, he worked as a lawyer in Chicago.
Later, the governor of Illinois chose him for a special job. He worked for the Illinois Commerce Commission. This group helps make rules for businesses. He stayed there until 1973. Then, he started his teaching career at Northwestern University.
