James Weldon Johnson was a prominent figure in Black history, known for his contributions as a writer, poet, diplomat, and civil rights activist. He was born in 1871 in Jacksonville, Florida, and was the first African American to pass the bar exam in the state of Florida. Johnson was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, music, and literature in the 1920s and 1930s.

He is best known for writing the lyrics to the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which is often referred to as the Black National Anthem. Johnson also served as a diplomat, representing the United States in Latin America and the Caribbean. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and racial equality, and he worked with organizations such as the NAACP to fight against racial discrimination and violence.

James Weldon Johnson's work and activism have had a lasting impact on Black history and culture, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the fight for racial justice and equality.