James Weldon Johnson was an African American writer, educator, lawyer, and civil rights activist born in 1871 in Florida. He was the first African American to pass the Florida bar exam, qualifying him to become a lawyer or judge. Johnson also enjoyed music and writing poetry. His song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" became a popular song, and is considered the black national anthem. Johnson worked as a school principal and teacher in Florida and Georgia. There is now a middle school named after him that uses "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as its school song.

1. James Weldon Johnson By Hunter Lampe

2. Childhood JwJ was born June 7, 1871 in Jacksonville Florida In his youth James loved to read and write that’s probably why he was so good in his older years. He should be a big inspiration for kids because he over came a lot to become a great poet, writer, educator and lawyer

3. Test time James Weldon Johnson was the first African American to pass the Florida bar test which is a big deal because it meant you qualified to be a judge or lawyer. Still it is very hard to pass this exam. Very few do pass.

4. Poems James also enjoyed music. He wrote many poems and his song “Lift ever voice and sing” Which is a very popular song even today some consider it the black national anthem.

5. Lift Every Voice and Sing

6. Principal James also was the principal at the Jacksonville school where his mom worked {he must of loved her a lot} He also taught two years in Harlem and rural Georgia.

7. His own school There is a James Weldon Johnson Middle School where they use “lift every voice and sing” as the school song their colors are green, white and black. Their mascot is a Trojan and focuses on gifted and academically talented. For more info go to jwjohnson.org