No, Shel Silverstein was not African American. He was born on September 25, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to a Jewish family. Shel Silverstein was a well-known American writer, poet, cartoonist, and songwriter. He is best known for his children’s books, such as “The Giving Tree” and “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” His work has been cherished by readers of all ages and continues to be popular worldwide.