Brooklyn Public Library with Bowdoin Professor Tess Chakkalakal

Bowdoin Professor Tess Chakkalakal and her book "A Matter of Complexion"

Tess Chakkalakal Discusses A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt

Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Brooklyn Heights Library
Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn Heights Library welcomes author and professor Tess Chakkalakal for a discussion of her new book, A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt.

The book is the first comprehensive biography of Chesnutt, who was born in 1858 in Cleveland to parents who were considered "mixed race." Though light-skinned, Chesnutt remained a member of the black community throughout his life, and transformed the publishing world by crossing racial barriers.

Following the discussion, there will be a Q&A with the audience.

This event is organized by Bowdoin alumna Eliana Miller ’20 and hosted by the Brooklyn Heights Library.

Space is limited, and advance registration with the library is encouraged.