In 1934, James Weldon Johnson published a book called Negro Americans, What Now? in response to finding ways to solve the “peculiar and immediate problems” that confront Black Americans and White Americans.

James Weldon Johnson wrote:

We ought to gather inspiration from the fact that we are right. We are contending for only what we are entitled to under the organic law of the land, and by any high standard of civilization, of morality, or of decency. Black America is called upon to stand as the protagonist of tolerance, of fair play, of justice, and of good will. Until white America heeds, we shall never let its conscience sleep. For the responsibility for the outcome is not ours alone. White America cannot save itself if it prevents us from being saved. But, in the nature of things, white America is not going to yield what rightfully belongs to us without a struggle kept up by us. In that struggle our watchword needs to be, “Work, work, work!” And our rallying cry “Fight, fight, fight!”

We are in the process of developing programming to respond to structural inequity while advancing the Johnson legacy. Please contact us to discuss.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance the legacy of James Weldon Johnson through educational, intellectual and artistic works that impact the contemporary world and exemplify Johnson’s enduring contributions to American history and worldwide culture.

Foundation History

Established in June, 2016, the Foundation has set multiple programs in motion including an artist residency beginning in summer, 2017. In addition, the Foundation preserves Five Acres, the summer home and writing cabin of James Weldon Johnson in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The writing cabin is one of very few of its kind that still stand in the United States. It is undergoing a meticulous restoration, the goal of which is to allow visitors to instantly imagine Johnson at work at his original desk. Additionally, the Foundation is currently supporting projects in the fine arts and performing arts.