Chuck D

Chuck D in 2019, kathclick/bigstock.com

Birth Name: Carlton Douglas Ridenhour

Place of Birth: Flushing, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 1, 1960

Ethnicity: African-American

Chuck D is an American rapper and activist. He is the leader and co-founder of hip hop group Public Enemy. Flavor Flav is also a member of the group. He was also a member ofrap rock supergroup Prophets of Rage, with B-Real, Tim Commerford, Tom Morello, and Brad Wilk. He has also been known as Carl Ryder, Mistachuck, Chucky D, Chuck Dangerous, The Hard Rhymer, and The Rhyme Animal.

Chuck D is the son of Judy/Charlamae and Lorenzo Douglas Ridenhour, who were born in Manhattan. All of his father’s traceable ancestors were born in North Carolina. His maternal great-grandfather was prominent architect George Washington Foster, who was among the first African-American architects licensed by the State of New Jersey, and later New York. Chuck D has two children with his former wife Deborah McClendon; and one child with his former wife Gaye Theresa Johnson.

Chuck D’s paternal grandfather was Amos Crawford Ridenhour (the son of John R. H. Ridenhour and Elizabeth LeGrand). Amos was born in Mount Gilead, Montgomery, North Carolina. John was born in Montgomery, North Carolina, the son of Amos Ridenhour and Hope Leak. Elizabeth was born in Richmond, North Carolina, the daughter of Crawford LeGrand and Louisa Legrand.

Chuck D’s paternal grandmother was Troxie/Trotsie/Troxa Covington/Stanback (the daughter of Dave Stanback and Estella/Stella Maud Covington). Troxie was born in North Carolina, to parents who were also born in the state. Stella was the daughter of Columbus Covington and Virginia “Jennie” Bostick.

Chuck D’s maternal grandfather was Charles Foster (the son of George Washington Foster and Carrie Jackson). Charles was born in New Jersey. George was born in Virginia. Carrie was born in New York.

Chuck D’s maternal grandmother was Wilma Mae Wallace (the daughter of William Wallace and Mattie Asbury). Wilma was born in North Carolina. William was born in South Carolina. Mattie was born in North Carolina.

Sources: Birth record of Chuck D – https://www.ancestry.com

Chuck D stating his birthplace – https://facebook.com
https://oxfordaasc.com

Genealogy of Chuck D’s father – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Chuck D’s father – https://www.dignitymemorial.com