Lift Every Voice and Sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of…
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a multi-talented American author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights activist. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Johnson's early education was influenced by his mother, a schoolteacher. He went on to attend Atlanta University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1894. Johnson first made his mark as an educator, serving as principal of the Stanton School in Jacksonville, but his career took a dynamic turn when he began writing, producing both poetry and novels.
In collaboration with his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, he composed songs for Broadway, and their composition "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the "Black National Anthem," became an indelible part of African American culture. Johnson's literary prowess extended to journalism and novel writing, with his novel "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" gaining significant acclaim.
In addition to his contributions to the arts, Johnson was a fierce advocate for civil rights. From 1916 to 1930, he held leadership roles in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he organized protests and was instrumental in raising awareness about racial injustice. He also served as a U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua, further diversifying his influential career. James Weldon Johnson remains a towering figure in American history, commemorated for his profound impact on literature, music, education, and civil rights advocacy.