The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson

by James Weldon Johnson

Overview

This fascinating story follows the life of young biracial man in early twentieth century America. He must confront not only the racism of the society around him, but also his own racial demons. As the novel progresses, the young man finds himself faced with the dilemma of embracing his blackness and continuing on a brilliant career as a musician, or "passing" as a white man and earning a place of mediocrity within white society.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940148402671
Publisher:	Civitas Media LLC
Publication date:	09/10/2013
Series:	Civitas Library Classics , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	122 KB

About the Author

James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a prominent American writer, diplomat, academic, attorney, editor, and civil rights activist. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Johnson was educated by his mother and attended Clark Atlanta University. He embarked on a career in education, becoming principal of a large segregated school in Jacksonville. After resigning his position, Johnson became the first black person to pass the Bar in Florida since Reconstruction. After campaigning for Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, he was appointed consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua, serving until 1913. After moving to New York, Johnson became active in the NAACP and was elected its head, where he lobbied to anti-lynching laws to be passed. He died in a car accident in 1938.