But I must own that I also felt stirred by an unselfish desire to voice all the joys and sorrows, the hopes and ambitions, of the American Negro, in classic musical form. James Weldon Johnson ambitionamericanclassic Change image and share on social
Through my music teaching and my not absolutely irregular attendance at church, I became acquainted with the best class of colored people in Jacksonville. James Weldon Johnson absolutelyacquaintattendance 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
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
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
The Southern whites are in many respects a great people. Looked at from a certain point of view, they are picturesque. If one will put oneself in a romantic frame of mind, one can admire their notions of chivalry and bravery and justice. James Weldon Johnson admirebraverychivalry share on social
The peculiar fascination which the South held over my imagination and my limited capital decided me in favor of Atlanta University; so about the last of September I bade farewell to the friends and scenes of my boyhood and boarded a train for the South. James Weldon Johnson atlantabidboard share on social
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. James Weldon Johnson affectionaiddespise 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
I had enjoyed life in Paris, and, taking all things into consideration, enjoyed it wholesomely. James Weldon Johnson considerationenjoylife Change image and share on social
