The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man #919886

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
by James Weldon Johnson

A groundbreaking work of American literature, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (first published in 1912) is both a gripping personal narrative and a daring social commentary. Written in the voice of an unnamed narrator, the novel follows the life of a young, biracial man navigating the complex realities of race in America at the turn of the twentieth century. From his childhood in the South to his cosmopolitan adventures in New York and Europe, the narrator is torn between two worlds—one of artistic ambition and cultural pride, and the other of safety and acceptance through passing as white. Johnson’s novel illuminates the struggles of identity, belonging, and the high personal cost of racial prejudice. At once poignant, ironic, and revolutionary, this classic remains a powerful exploration of race, class, and the American Dream—an essential read for understanding both the past and present of the United States.

James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938) was an American writer, poet, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights activist. A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, he is best known for his novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, his poetry, and the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem. Johnson also served as executive secretary of the NAACP, where he worked tirelessly for racial equality and social justice. His legacy endures as a voice of both literary brilliance and civic leadership.