James Weldon Johnson

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)

    Since belief is measured by action, he who forbids us to believe religion to be true, necessarily also forbids us to act as we should if we did believe it to be true.
    —William James (1842–1910)

    You end up as you deserve. In old age you must put up with the face, the friends, the health, and the children you have earned.
    —Fay Weldon (b. 1933)

    If the American people don’t love me, their descendants will.
    —Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908–1973)