Johnson's unprecedented role as civil rights leader and literary artist was a dual one that has not been replicated since his time.

This volume comprises editorials form the "New York Age" organized thematically, and at a critical introduction discusses Johnson's role in the history of the black press. By painting a vivid picture of the race problem in this nation, and by his portrayal of the successes and possibilities of his race in American life and culture, he picked at white America's conscience. This collection of writings serves to support Dr Wilson's contention that the foundation of black literature had its paternity more in James Weldon Johnson than in anyone else.