William Styron

William Clark Styron Jr.

William Styron, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of "Sophie's Choice," was born in Newport News, Virginia.

Early life

Born in Newport News in 1925, Styron served in the Marine Corps before launching his literary career.

He wrote the acclaimed novels "The Confessions of Nat Turner" and "Sophie's Choice," and the influential memoir of depression "Darkness Visible."

He won the 1968 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "The Confessions of Nat Turner."

Styron ranks among the most important American novelists of the postwar era.

Athlete

Aaron Brooks, a longtime NFL quarterback, was born in Newport News, Virginia.

Educator · Author

Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute and a leading educator, was born into slavery in Franklin County, Virginia.

Educator · Author

Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," was born in Buckingham County, Virginia.

Author

David Baldacci, a best-selling author of legal and political thrillers, was born in Richmond, Virginia.