Front:
that all men
are created equal...
James Weldon
Johnson
22
HASHVILLE
FEB
1988
37202
Lift ev-'ry voice and sing
Black Heritage USA
TN
Back:
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
First Day of Issue: February 2, 1988
First Issue Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Born in Florida in 1871, James Weldon Johnson faced
a prejudiced society. His life would be devoted to the
advancement of blacks in America, and his works would
be inspiration to all. Graduated from Atlanta University
in 1894, Johnson was the first black man ever admitted
to the Florida Bar. He practiced law until 1901. Moving
to New York, he began writing for vaudeville and
minstrel shows, finding that he had quite a talent for
writing. As time went on, he became more and more
devoted to literary endeavor. In 1912, The Autobiog-
raphy of an Ex-Colored Man, was published and, in
1917, Johnson's first book of poetry, Fifty Years and
Other Poems was released. In 1927, his most famous
work, God's Trombones was issued. The book combines
Biblical ideas with black folklore. A founder of the Na-
tional Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP), Johnson served in its offices from 1916
to 1930. In 1925, James Weldon Johnson was awarded
the Spingarn Medal for services to the people of his race.
No. 88-5
©1988 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Dennis Lyall.
