The Book of American Negro Poetry
"The Book of American Negro Poetry" by James Weldon Johnson is a collection of poetry curated and edited in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. This anthology aims to showcase the works of American Negro poets, providing insights into the racial and cultural experiences of Black Americans and highlighting their significant contributions to American literature.  At the start of the anthology, Johnson presents a preface outlining the vital role of Negro poets in American culture, emphasizing the need for recognition of their artistic voices. He discusses the historical context of Negro literature, touching upon the struggles and achievements of prominent poets like Paul Laurence Dunbar. The opening sets a foundation for understanding the poetic landscape that follows, where themes of love, sorrow, and cultural identity are expressed through vernacular forms and rich emotional depth. Johnson also reflects on the innate creativity among Negro poets, aiming to elevate their status and influence in the broader literary canon. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
African Americans -- Poetry American poetry -- African American authors
Category: American Literature Category: Poetry