Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

Today, in honor of Black History month, Valley of Life is highlighting African-American poet James Weldon Johnson (1817-1939). Born in Florida, Johnson attended Atlanta University with the intention that his education would further the interests of the black people. As a result, Johnson composed a number of influential pieces during his lifetime. In 1900, he wrote a song for Lincoln’s birthday that eventually became known as the “Negro National Anthem.” In 1920, he became the national organizer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Below, Johnson composed a poetic funeral sermon: (more…)

To celebrate Black History month, Valley of Life is featuring poetry composed by the black community in America. An earlier poet, Langston Hughes (1902-1967), was well-known for his literary works during a period called the “Harlem Renaissance.” Below, Hughes offers his thoughts on the ability to honor one’s death through a poem he composed about a funeral in Harlem.

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