Johnson, James Weldon
1871-1938 · Contribution: 1900-1938
Poetry, fiction, anthologies, and songwriting; wrote the lyrics to 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' (the 'Negro National Anthem'), the novel 'The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man' (1912), and the poetry collection 'God's Trombones' (1927); edited 'The Book of American Negro Poetry' (1922)
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance who elevated Black literary and folk traditions; first Black person admitted to the Florida Bar post-Reconstruction, first Black professor at NYU, and NAACP executive secretary (1920-1930).
Life & background
African-American writer, diplomat, educator, and civil rights leader born June 17, 1871 in Jacksonville, FL. BA, Atlanta University; U.S. consul to Venezuela and Nicaragua. Later taught at Fisk University. Died June 26, 1938.
Sources
- Encyclopædia Britannica; Poetry Foundation; NAACP
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