James Weldon Johnson (June 17, 1871 – June 26, 1938) was an American author, politician, diplomat, critic, journalist, poet, anthologist, educator, lawyer, songwriter, and early civil rights activist. Johnson is remembered best for his leadership within the NAACP, as well as for his writing, which includes novels, poems, and collections of folklore. He was also one of the first African-American professors at New York University. Later in life he was a professor of creative literature and writing at Fisk University.
Read more about James Weldon Johnson: Life, Education and Law, Diplomacy, Literature and Anthology, Poetry, Activism, Awards, Honors, and Legacy
Famous quotes containing the words weldon johnson, james, weldon and/or johnson:
“Young man—Young man—Your arm’s too short to box with God.”
—James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)
“So far as I am concerned, dear, I promise you that very soon I’ll settle down again and write another long three-volume novel, suitable for the most genteel of young women.”
—Jan Read. Robert Day. James Rankin (Boris Karloff)
“We shelter children for a time; we live side by side with men; and that is all. We owe them nothing, and are owed nothing. I think we owe our friends more, especially our female friends.”
—Fay Weldon (b. 1933)
“Vanquished in life, his death
By beauty made amends:
The passing of his breath
Won his defeated ends.”
—Lionel Pigot Johnson (1867–1902)