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James Weldon Johnson Quotes

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James Weldon Johnson was an American author, poet, musician, and civil rights activist. He is known for his poetry, novels, and musical compositions, and was a significant figure in the American civil rights movement.

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Famous James Weldon Johnson Quotes

“I finally made up my mind that I would neither disclaim the black race nor claim the white race; but that I would change my name, raise a mustache, and let the world take me for what it would; that it was not necessary for me to go about with a label of inferiority pasted across my forehead.”

World Mind Made Names Black White Race Claims Raises Labels Take Me Foreheads Inferiority Mustache Lynching White Race Black Race

Book:The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

Source: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

“The colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them.”

People Knows Country Justice White Diversity Social Justice

Book:The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

Source: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

“Northern white people love the Negro in a sort of abstract way, as a race; through a sense of justice, charity, and philanthropy, they will liberally assist in his elevation.”

People Way Justice White Race Charity Abstract Philanthropy Elevation

Book:The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

Source: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

“Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways.”

People Way Certain Individual Strong White Race Affection Aids Helpful Southern Despise Elevation

Book:The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

Source: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man