John Edgar Wideman

Date of Birth: June 14, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

John Edgar Wideman is an acclaimed American writer known for his powerful novels, short stories, and essays that often explore themes of African American life and history. Born in Washington, D.C., Wideman grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the Homewood neighborhood, which became the setting for much of his fiction. He attended the University of Pennsylvania on a basketball scholarship and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Wideman’s literary career began in the 1960s, and he has since published numerous works that have garnered critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, which he has won twice. His writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep engagement with social and political issues.

5 Interesting Facts about John Edgar Wideman

1. John Edgar Wideman was the second African American to win a Rhodes Scholarship.

2. He won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction twice, for his novels “Sent for You Yesterday” (1984) and “Philadelphia Fire” (1990).

3. Wideman’s brother, Robert, was sentenced to life in prison, a story he explores in the book “Brothers and Keepers.”

4. He was a standout basketball player at the University of Pennsylvania and was inducted into the Penn Athletics Hall of Fame.

5. Wideman has taught at several prestigious universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Brown University.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Edgar Wideman

1. “Our ancestors spoke with their bodies, their faces, their hands.”

2. “I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of.”

3. “Each new generation is a fresh attempt to get it right.”

4. “The act of writing is an act of hope.”

5. “The challenge is to make what you write matter.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by John Edgar Wideman is estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

John Edgar Wideman has three children: Daniel Wideman, Jamila Wideman, and Jake Wideman. Jamila Wideman is known for her career as a professional basketball player in the WNBA and her work as a lawyer and social justice advocate.