James Weldon Johnson

James Weldon Johnson (June 17, 1871 – June 26, 1938) was an American author, politician, diplomat, critic, journalist, poet, anthologist, educator, lawyer, songwriter, and early civil rights activist. Johnson is remembered best for his leadership within the NAACP, as well as for his writing, which includes novels, poems, and collections of folklore. He was also one of the first African-American professors at New York University. Later in life he was a professor of creative literature and writing at Fisk University.

Read more about James Weldon Johnson:  Life, Education and Law, Diplomacy, Literature and Anthology, Poetry, Activism, Awards, Honors, and Legacy

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    Young man—Young man—Your arm’s too short to box with God.
    —James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)

    Prejudices are useless. Call Los Angeles any dirty name you like—Six Suburbs in Search of a City, Paradise with a Lobotomy, anything—but the fact remains that you are already living in it before you get there.
    —Clive James (b. 1939)

    Young man—Young man—Your arm’s too short to box with God.
    —James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)

    Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.
    —Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)