James Weldon Johnson Residence facts for kids
|
James Weldon Johnson Residence
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Manhattan
Location in New York
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 187 W. 135th St., New York, New York |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001241 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | May 11, 1976 |
The James Weldon Johnson Residence is a special apartment building in Harlem, New York City. It is located at 187 West 135th Street. A very important person named James Weldon Johnson lived here from 1925 until he passed away in 1938.
James Weldon Johnson was a talented man. He wrote songs, books, and poems. He was also a strong voice for civil rights, which means he worked to make sure all people had equal rights. He was a leader at the NAACP, a group that helps African Americans. Because of his importance, this building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. This means it's a place with special history.
Contents
Discovering the Johnson Residence
The James Weldon Johnson Residence is in the northern part of Manhattan, in the famous Harlem neighborhood. It sits on the north side of West 135th Street. The building is close to Seventh Avenue.
This building is one of two similar buildings. They are both five stories tall and made of brick. They share a wall between them, called a party wall. The buildings have an old-fashioned style, with decorative features. They also have a shared roof design above their main entrances.
Who Was James Weldon Johnson?
James Weldon Johnson was born in Florida in 1871. He grew up in an African American family. He went to Atlanta University for his education. After college, he had many different jobs.
He worked as a teacher and a journalist. He was also a composer and a singer. He wrote many famous songs, including "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This song is often called the "Black National Anthem."
Johnson's Work for Civil Rights
In 1916, James Weldon Johnson joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works to end unfair treatment of African Americans. He held very important jobs there for the rest of his life.
He helped the NAACP grow stronger, especially in the southern United States. He also worked hard to pass laws against lynching. Lynching was a terrible act of violence against African Americans. Johnson sadly died in a car accident in 1938.
Images for kids
-
The James Weldon Johnson Residence in Harlem, New York City.
