The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (Collector's Edition) (Laminated Hardback with Jacket)

Author: James Weldon Johnson

Hardcover

A privileged man discovers his biracial identity, navigating race, artistry, and belonging, torn between embracing his heritage and the temptation to pass as white.

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Hardcover

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Summary

A privileged man discovers his biracial identity, navigating race, artistry, and belonging, torn between embracing his heritage and the temptation to pass as white.

Description

Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket

What if a single revelation shattered your entire sense of self? Raised in comfort and privilege, the narrator's life is upended when he learns he's biracial in a society divided by race. From the vibrant music halls of Harlem to the cultural depths of the South, he embarks on a journey to understand identity, artistry, and belonging. Torn between embracing his heritage and the temptation to pass as white, he faces a choice that could shape his future forever.

James Weldon Johnson's The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is a groundbreaking exploration of race, identity, and social mobility in early 20th-century America. Published anonymously in 1912, it challenged racial norms by giving voice to the complexities of biracial identity and the experience of passing as white. Through its fictional lens, the book offered sharp commentary on segregation, cultural richness, and the struggle for equality, resonating deeply during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Its innovative blend of memoir and novel continues to influence discussions on race and identity today, marking it as a cornerstone of American literature.

About the Author

James Weldon Johnson was born on June 17, 1871, in Jacksonville, Florida, to James Johnson and Helen Louise Dillet. He attended Atlanta University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1894. After graduation, he returned to Jacksonville to serve as principal of Stanton College Preparatory School.In 1900, Johnson wrote the lyrics for ""Lift Every Voice and Sing,"" with music composed by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson; this song became known as the Black National Anthem. He also authored The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man in 1912 and God's Trombones in 1927. His literary contributions significantly influenced the Harlem Renaissance.Johnson joined the NAACP in 1917 and became its executive secretary in 1920, serving until 1930. He was a prominent civil rights activist, advocating for anti-lynching legislation and equal rights. In 1934, he became the first African American professor at New York University.