James Weldon Johnson was a prominent African American writer, politician, and civil rights activist during the early 20th century. Born in 1871 in Jacksonville, Florida, Johnson grew up in a time when African Americans were still subjected to segregation and discrimination. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically and went on to attend college, where he studied literature and law.
After graduating, Johnson became a schoolteacher and later a principal in Jacksonville. In his spare time, he wrote poetry and essays that explored the experiences of African Americans and called for social justice. His work was published in various magazines and newspapers, and he became well-known for his writing on race relations and civil rights.
In 1906, Johnson co-wrote the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which later became known as the Black national anthem. The song was written to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday and was first performed by a chorus of schoolchildren in Jacksonville. It quickly gained popularity among African Americans and was performed at events and rallies across the country.
In addition to his writing, Johnson was also involved in politics and civil rights activism. He served as the national organizer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked to promote equal rights for African Americans. He also served as the U.S. Consul to Venezuela and Nicaragua, making him the first African American to hold a diplomatic post.
Johnson's writing and activism had a significant impact on the civil rights movement. His poetry and essays addressed important issues of the time and called for social change, and his work inspired many other writers and activists to fight for equal rights. Today, James Weldon Johnson is remembered as a pioneer in the fight for racial justice and equality.
James Weldon Johnson Park
Delivers the valedictory speech, "The Destiny of the Human Race. While attending Atlanta University, Johnson became known as an influential campus speaker. Du Bois then a professor at Atlanta University. A column, extends up from the base both made of Vermont granite , and is topped by the bronze figure of a Confederate soldier in winter uniform. These articles were later collected and reprinted as a book under the title Self-Determining Haiti.
Biography — James Weldon Johnson
Retrieved June 11, 2022. James Weldon Johnson: Black Leader, Black Voice. Funeral held at the Salem Methodist Church in Harlem on Thursday, June 30. Attends conference of the Intercollegiate Socialist Society in Bellport, New York, gives talk on the contribution of the Negro to American culture. Becomes a member of the National Business League, an organization founded by Booker T.
Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson
Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on 'til victory is won. Lee Camp managed the memorial project. James Park, and George Mitchell traveled to Jacksonville and supervised installation of the monument in the spring of 1898, during the Spanish American War. Lee and Stonewall Jackson with their drum corps on the west; and a bust of General J. The Oxford Companion to African American Literature.
Chronology — James Weldon Johnson
Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. Publishes Negro Americans, What Now? Retrieved August 12, 2017. He wrote substantial portions of his novel, Fifty Years, during this period. To honor Charles Hemming for his donation of the memorial, the City Council changed the name of St. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1973.
Sondra Kathryn Wilson passes away. The Library of America, 2004. The Menorah lighting ceremony will be at approximately 6:30pm. But newspaper accounts appear to indicate that Hemming personally selected the monument, which was then approved by various committees of the UCV. Twayne United States Authors Series. Marks, made mimeographed copies for us, and the song was taught to and sung by a chorus of five hundred colored school children.
