JAMES
WELDON JOHNSON. Autograph Letter Signed to Mrs. Alter, New
York, NY, 26 December (no year, but ca. 1927). 3 pages, 7" x 5¼".
James Weldon Johnson, the African American author and civil rights leader,
had a long and highly varied career, but he is best known for serving
as executive secretary of the NAACP throughout the 1920's, greatly expanding
its membership and activities and leading its crusade against lynching,
and for his many publications. Primarily a poet and novelist, Johnson
also wrote history and social criticism, and was a songwriter who collaborated
with his brother Rosamond on “Lift Every Voice and Sing,”
which became the “Negro National Anthem.” One of his works,
published in 1927, was God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons
in Verse, in which Johnson gave a poetic interpretation to African
American religious oratory.
Johnson mentions God’s Trombones in this letter, which
was most likely written soon after the book was issued and while he
was still head of the NAACP. After thanking his correspondent for sending
a newspaper clipping, Johnson declares that he is “glad to
get the good words about the result of my visit to Pittsburgh. I shall
get the copies of God’s Trombones off to you
on Monday,” he adds. “I am not sure whether or
not I am expected to autograph a copy personally to Dr. Spencer –
so I judge I had better simply sign my name in the copies to go to him.
He may wish to present his copies to friends. Will you please let him
know why I have simply inscribed my name.
“Let me again say how much I enjoyed my stay in your home,”
Johnson concludes. “My visit with you will always remain a
grateful memory.” He has signed in full, “James
Weldon Johnson.”
The letter is very slightly toned along the top margin, but is generally
in very good condition.
Johnson’s autograph is uncommon. $975.00
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