When we arrived in London, my sadness at leaving Paris was turned into despair. After my long stay in the French capital, huge, ponderous, massive London seemed to me as ugly a thing as man could contrive to make. James Weldon Johnson arrivecapitalcontrive share on social
Americans are immensely popular in Paris; and this is not due solely to the fact that they spend lots of money there, for they spend just as much or more in London, and in the latter city they are merely tolerated because they do spend. James Weldon Johnson americancitydue 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
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
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. James Weldon Johnson abstractassistcharity Change image and 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
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