I believe it to be a fact that the colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them. James Weldon Johnson colorecountryfact Change image and share on social
I do not see how a people that can find in its conscience any excuse whatever for slowly burning to death a human being, or for tolerating such an act, can be entrusted with the salvation of a race. James Weldon Johnson actburnconscience Change image and share on social
It is a struggle; for though the black man fights passively, he nevertheless fights; and his passive resistance is more effective at present than active resistance could possibly be. He bears the fury of the storm as does the willow tree. James Weldon Johnson activebearblack share on social
Labor is the fabled magician's wand, the philosophers stone, and the cap of good fortune. James Weldon Johnson capfabledfortune Change image and share on social
You are young, gifted, and Black. We must begin to tell our young, There's a world waiting for you, Yours is the quest that's just begun. James Weldon Johnson beginblackgift Change image and share on social
Any musical person who has never heard a Negro congregation under the spell of religious fervor sing these old songs has missed one of the most thrilling emotions which the human heart may experience. James Weldon Johnson congregationemotionexperience Change image and share on social
My mother was kept very busy with her sewing; sometimes she would have another woman helping her. James Weldon Johnson busyhelpmother Change image and share on social
In Berlin I especially enjoyed the orchestral concerts, and I attended a large number of them. I formed the acquaintance of a good many musicians, several of whom spoke of my playing in high terms. James Weldon Johnson acquaintanceattendberlin Change image and share on social
My appearance was always good and my ability to play on the piano, especially ragtime, which was then at the height of its vogue, made me a welcome guest. James Weldon Johnson abilityappearancegood Change image and share on social
And so for a couple of years my life was divided between my music and my school books. James Weldon Johnson bookcoupledivide Change image and share on social
