U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, D-Fla., is calling on the federal government to make the birthplace of civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson in Jacksonville a national landmark.
This week, Lawson brought out the “James Weldon Johnson Historical Preservation Act” to honor the educator, writer and activist who led the NAACP and penned "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing” which the NAACP recognized as the “Negro national anthem” back in 1919.
Born in 1871, Johnson grew up in Jacksonville’s LaVilla neighborhood with his brother, composer John Rosamond Johnson. After earning his college degree in Georgia, James Weldon Johnson returned home and became the principal of Stanton Grade School, where he improved the educational standards of the school’s curriculum. In 1897, while serving as the principal, Johnson became the first African American admitted to the Florida Bar Exam since Reconstruction.
“I am pleased to introduce a bill designating James Weldon Johnson’s birthplace as a national landmark and memorialize his legacy as a leader for our community,” Lawson said when he brought out the bill on Wednesday. “Johnson contributed integrity, knowledge and dedication to our nation through his life’s work. Since his passing in 1938, he has remained an icon and inspiration not only to the city of Jacksonville, but throughout the United States.”
“I think it is wonderful that Congressman Lawson is introducing this legislation for such an outstanding statesman,” said Marsha Phelts, a historian based in Jacksonville. “This recognition is long overdue. Jacksonville is the only place on the planet that can claim him as its own. His impact and contribution orbits beyond America. He made his mark in Jacksonville, with the Stanton School, and went beyond to do even more.”
Lawson has reeled in almost 20 cosponsors for the bill including much of the Florida delegation as Republican U.S. Reps. Carlos Curbelo, Bill Posey, John Rutherford and Dan Webster and Democrats U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, Charlie Crist. Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel, Alcee Hastings, Stephanie Murphy, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Frederica Wilson are backing the legislation. The bill has been sent to the House Natural Resources Committee.
