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. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Weldon Johnson was an American writer and civil rights activist. He was married to civil rights activist Grace Nail Johnson. Johnson was a leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he started working in 1917. In 1920, he was chosen as executive secretary of the organization, effectively the operating officer. He served in that position from 1920 to 1930. Johnson established his reputation as a writer, and was known during the Harlem Renaissance for his poems, novel and anthologies collecting both poems and spirituals of Black culture. He wrote the lyrics for "Lift Every Voice and Sing", which later became known as the Black National Anthem, the music being written by his younger brother, composer J. Rosamond Johnson.