The Book of American Negro Poetry -compiled by James Weldon Johnson

The Book of American Negro Poetry edited by James Weldon Johnson — A foundational anthology of Black American poetry
First published in the early 20th century and revised over time, The Book of American Negro Poetry is a landmark anthology that helped define and preserve the voices of Black poets in America. Essential, historic, and deeply influential, it remains a cornerstone of American literary history.
The collection includes poems from 31 poets, such as Paul Laurence Dunbar, James Weldon Johnson, Claude McKay, and Georgia Douglas Johnson.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A foundational collection in African American literature
Features historically significant poets and poems
Important for understanding the evolution of American poetry
Equally valuable for reading, study, and collecting
🌟 Perfect For
Readers of poetry and literary history
Students and educators
Collectors of classic American literature
Anyone exploring African American cultural heritage
 
Edited by James Weldon Johnson, this anthology brings together poetry that traces the development of Black literary expression in the United States, from early spirituals and dialect verse to more formally structured modern poetry. Johnson’s editorial vision helped establish African American poetry as a central, enduring part of the American canon. Both a literary collection and a cultural document, the book offers insight into history, identity, resilience, and artistic achievement across generations.