Happy birthday! Ta-Nehisi Coates turns 50 today

‘Between the World and Me’ author Ta-Nehisi Coates is celebrating his 50th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed authors of his generation.

Popular author-journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 50th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Coates, a cultural icon

Born Paul Ta-Nehisi Coates in Baltimore on September 30, 1975, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Coates' not just a great author, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Ta-Nehisi hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Ta-Nehisi Coates as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 50.

Happy Birthday, Ta-Nehisi, you're the best!

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