James Weldon Johnson Collected editions

James Weldon Johnson (1871 – 1938) was an American author, educator, diplomat, and civil rights leader whose career bridged literature, politics, and activism. His novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man explored themes of race, identity, and passing in early 20th-century America.

Johnson was also a gifted poet, lyricist, and composer, co-authoring the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem. As an executive of the NAACP, he worked tirelessly for anti-lynching legislation and racial equality.

Through his art and advocacy, James Weldon Johnson helped shape the cultural and political landscape of his time.