James Weldon Johnson: A Life of Words and Action
On June 17, 1871, James Weldon Johnson was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His mother was a public school teacher and musician, while his father worked as a headwaiter at a large hotel. Growing up in a household filled with books and music, young James developed a deep love for learning, reading classic literature, and practicing the guitar. His parents encouraged him to think deeply about the world and to use his talents to make a difference.
After attending college at Atlanta University, Johnson returned to Jacksonville to teach at the Stanton School, the primary school he had attended as a child. He soon became the principal, expanding the school to include high school grades so that older Black students in the city could finish their education. While managing the school, Johnson studied law on his own. In 1898, after passing an intense two-day examination, he became the first African American admitted to the Florida bar since the end of the Reconstruction era.
- resilience:
- The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or tough times.
- anthem:
- An uplifting song that represents the identity and values of a group.
- consul:
- An official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and represent its interests.
- strife:
- Angry or bitter disagreement and conflict.
- legislation:
- A law or set of laws suggested by a government or legislature.
- anthologies:
- Published collections of poems, stories, or other musical and literary pieces.
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- 1What early childhood experiences influenced James Weldon Johnson's appreciation for learning and the arts?
- 2How did Johnson improve educational opportunities for older Black students in Jacksonville?
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About this biography passage for 5th Grade
“James Weldon Johnson: A Life of Words and Action” is a biography reading passage about James Weldon Johnson, written for 5th Grade. It takes about 3 minutes to read (508 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.