Author
James Weldon Johnson
1871-1938
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by James Weldon Johnson
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
"The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" by James Weldon Johnson is a novel published in 1912. It follows a biracial man navigating post-Reconstruction America who can pass as either Black or white. After witnessing a lynching and experiencing racial violence, he makes a fateful choice about his identity and future. The narrator abandons his dream of celebrating Black culture through ragtime music, choosing safety and advancement over authenticity. This groundbreaking work explores race, class, and the cost of denying one's heritage.
Self-Determining Haiti Four articles reprinted from The Nation embodying a report of an investigation made for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
"Self-Determining Haiti" by James Weldon Johnson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work compiles four articles originally published in "The Nation" in 1920 and details the United States' imperialistic actions in Haiti during the years of American occupation from 1915 onwards. The focus of the text sheds light on the complex political situation, exploring themes of colonialism, economic exploitation, and the impact of foreign intervention on Haitian sovereignty. The opening of the text reveals the context behind America's military involvement in Haiti, indicating that the U.S. intervention was primarily motivated by economic interests, particularly those of the National City Bank. Johnson outlines the events leading up to the American occupation, including the coup against Haitian President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, effectively framing the U.S. actions as both opportunistic and imperialistic. From this start, Johnson condemns the militarization and suppression of Haitian governance, emphasizing the existential threat to Haitian independence posed by American military dominance and financial control, thereby setting the stage for a detailed exploration of these themes throughout the work.
Fifty Years, & Other Poems
"Fifty Years, & Other Poems" by James Weldon Johnson is a collection of poetry written during the early 20th century, notably around the time of the Harlem Renaissance. This compilation reflects the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of the African American community in the aftermath of emancipation, weaving together themes of racial identity, social justice, and personal longing through lyrical verse and dialect expressions. In "Fifty Years," the titular poem serves as a profound reflection on the historical journey of African Americans from slavery to freedom, capturing both the triumphs and tribulations faced along the way. The collection includes various pieces that delve into topics such as love, memory, and the beauty of life, often employing vivid imagery and emotional depth to convey the complexities of the human experience. Johnson also explores the rich cultural heritage of Black America, whether through spirituals, personal meditations, or critiques of societal issues, ultimately calling for recognition, empathy, and justice. Each poem resonates with a unique voice and offers valuable insight into the social landscape of Johnson's time.