The Selected Writings of James Weldon Johnson Volume I: New York Age Editorials (1914-1923)

James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) would would have been judged asuccessful man had he merely remained the principal of Stanton School in hishometown of Jacksonville, FL. Destiny led him, however, to become the firstAfrican-American to pass the Florida Bar exam, to win international acclaim as asongwriter, poet, novelist, diplomat, playwright, journalist, and champion ofhuman rights. Since that time, though, his life and contributions have gonevirtually unnoticed, except for his well-known song, "Lift Every Voice andSing."Johnson's dual role as civil rights leader and literary artist wasunprecedented and has not been replicated since. He used this duality in attemptto exonerate black Americans from the psychological and physical persecutions of"Jim Crow." These two volumes comprise of Johnson's literary work, song lyrics,and both his literary and political essays. A critical introduction placesJohnson in relation to other black artists, the development of African-Americanliterature, and early integrationist movements.By painting a vivid picture of the race problem in this nation, and by hisportrayal of the successes and possibilities of his race, he pricked whiteAmerica's conscience. This collection serves as witness to Johnson's pioneeringa momentous standard for African-American literature while he laid thegroundwork for the early civil rights movement in America.