James Weldon Johnson Professorship

James Weldon Johnson was NYU’s first Black professor, but he is notable for so many other accomplishments including civil rights activist, writer, composer, politician, educator, lawyer, and one of the leading figures in the creation and development of the Harlem Renaissance. In his honor, and to recognize scholarship with far-reaching impact in the areas of social justice, inequality, criminal justice reform, and related topics, the University established the James Weldon Johnson Professorship and named the awardees.