The Book of American Negro Poetry

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"The Book of American Negro Poetry" by James Weldon Johnson is a poetry anthology published in 1922. It was the first anthology of its kind, collecting works by thirty-one African American poets during the early Harlem Renaissance. Johnson's compilation sought to showcase the range and depth of Black poetry, challenging white stereotypes and establishing African American voices in literature. The anthology includes a substantial preface and biographical notes. A second edition in 1931 added nine more poets, expanding this groundbreaking collection.