Johnson’s story begins in Jacksonville, Florida where he was raised by his mother. His mother heavily influenced him with her love of literature and music; these interests would follow him all through his diverse professions. Being raised by his mother, Johnson was able to be more in touch with his emotional side. We can see this throughout his novel, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. He went to Alabama University to continue his studies and later became a principal at a black elementary and high school. While he was a principal, he studied the law and was admitted into the Florida Bar; the first black man since reconstruction. While adjusting his double profession in instruction and law, Johnson set aside the opportunity to compose verse and tunes.
He later moved to New York where he moved in with his brother who was a composer. Together, they composed hundreds of songs to be performed on Broadway. Johnson served as treasurer of the Colored Republican Club, where he caught the eye of President Roosevelt, who invited him to be the consul in Venezuela. He later left Venezuela to join the NAACP where he advocated for anti-lynching bills and industrial training for black people. There, Johnson formulated his philosophy that "Black Americans should produce great literature and art to demonstrate their equality to whites in terms of intellect and creativity."
Johnson was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement where he advocated for black voices. Johnson's life was filled with many events that led him to become the man many know him to be. His works helped shape an entire generation and still continue to do so today.
Pictured Above: James Weldon Johnson writing/composing. Johnson is most famously known for the hymn “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.”