James Weldon Johnson

1871–1938 (age 67)

Writer/Composer/Activist

Biography

James Weldon Johnson was a transformative writer, composer, and activist whose life enriched American culture and the struggle for civil rights. His work spanned poetry, music, and leadership within the NAACP, making him a central figure in the fight for equality during the early twentieth century.

Interred at Green-Wood Cemetery, Johnson’s achievements continue to inspire artists, activists, and scholars who draw upon his legacy of creativity and advocacy.