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How Did James Weldon Johnson Influence The Harlem Renaissance

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The Harlem Renaissance brought about many great changes. It was a time for expressing the African-American culture. Many famous people began their writing or gained their recognition during this time. The Harlem Renaissance took place during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Many things came about during the Harlem Renaissance such as jazz and blues, poetry, dance, and musical theater. One of the most well known author from the Harlem Renaissance was James Weldon Johnson. James wrote many poems including lift every voice and sing, the black national anthem. James Weldon Johnson is a true representation of the artistically expressed 1920s and the Harlem renaissance due to his unique and creative writing style, ambition for change and his ability to unify …show more content…

Most of James inspiration came from experiences and religion. James was once a slave, so he was able to connect to the black community on a deeper level. When James was in college, he took a fieldtrip and experienced life among the poor African Americans. By witnessing the inhuman quality of life, James was inspired to fight for equality. His goal was to show the buried greatness and culture in black society. Trough rough times, James looked towards god for help and guidance. After being deeply affected both mentally and physically by the teaching of god, James incorporated religion in his writing. The use of god’s words both provided a sense of security and state of calmness in the peoples mind. By putting the courage, he had into words, searching for the potential hidden and providing a safe creative environment, James his lead society into the Harlem Renaissance trough his religious and inspirational …show more content…

He began by educating the public. To publicize the horrors of slavery, James published a book called ‘The autobiography of an Ex Colored Man.’ the book reminded society that the humiliation should never be repeated and to public image has to be changed. In 1895, James funded his own newspaper. He informed the community about ongoing social justices, the public image given to the black society and about political issues. By showing the horrendous image given to the back community, James inspired the African American community to show their inner

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