James Weldon Johnson was a man who was good at many things. He did a lot of different jobs in his life. He is mainly known as a writer and a civil rights leader. He was also a teacher, a principal, a journalist, a lawyer, and a diplomat.
Johnson was born in 1871 in Florida. His father was a waiter from Virginia. His mother was a teacher from the Bahamas. Johnson’s parents taught him to work hard and to love learning, music, and art. He grew up and became a teacher. He started a newspaper and studied law. He also wrote poetry. One of his poems was “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” His brother set the poem to music. It became the song many people know today as the Black National Anthem.
Later Johnson moved to New York with his brother. They wrote songs for Broadway. Johnson met Black artists and leaders in New York. He quickly became a leader himself. He took a job with a group called the NAACP. This group worked to make sure Black people were treated fairly. Johnson traveled around the country. He spoke out against unfair laws. He helped people register to vote. He also helped organize a silent march in New York City. Around 10,000 people walked silently down Fifth Avenue. They marched to bring attention to unfair treatment of Black people.
In 1920, Johnson became the first Black leader of the NAACP. He held this job for the next 10 years. During this time Johnson also supported Black writers, artists, and musicians. He wanted the world to know that Black people could make great art. Today we remember James Weldon Johnson as a hero who used his voice to make the world better.
What Do You Think? What period of Johnson’s life would you like to know more about?
Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division [LC-USZ62-42992]
