# James Johnson

## Biography

James Weldon Johnson was a distinguished African American author, poet, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights activist, born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1871. A true Renaissance man, he became the first Black lawyer admitted to the Florida bar and later served as a U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua. Johnson is perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black National Anthem, with music composed by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson. He was a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for works such as "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and "God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse." Johnson also served as executive secretary of the NAACP, leading crucial campaigns for civil rights. He taught creative literature at Fisk University and was the first African American professor at New York University. Johnson's impactful life ended in 1938.James Weldon Johnson was a distinguished African American author, poet, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights activist, born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1871. A true Renaissance man, he became the first Black lawyer admitted to the Florida bar and later served as a U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua. Johnson is perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black National Anthem, with music composed by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson. He was a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for works such as "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and "God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse." Johnson also served as executive secretary of the NAACP, leading crucial campaigns for civil rights. He taught creative literature at Fisk University and was the first African American professor at New York University. Johnson's impactful life ended in 1938.

## Books

- [The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man](https://samolit.com/books/96690)