An Unlikely Visitor: James Weldon Johnson

Tess and Brock travel to Wiscasset, ME, to investigate the scene of James Weldon Johnson’s tragic death in a train accident. Author Russell Rymer gives us a glimpse of Johnson's life as a Black poet, diplomat, novelist, and activist—Johnson was a jack of all trades, master of all. Poet C.S. Giscombe discuss Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man and finds surprising similarities to the tv cartoon Futurama.

Tess and Brock also meet with Melanie K. Edwards, Johnson’s great grandniece, who gives some insight into what her famous uncle was doing in Maine in the first place.

Mentioned:

• The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson
• “We To America” by James Weldon Johnson
• God's Trombones by James Weldon Johnson
• “Listen Lord, A Prayer” by James Weldon Johnson
• “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson
• Negro Mountain by C.S. Giscombe
• American Beach by Russell Rymer
• Futurama (1999)
• Simpsons (1989)

The house:

• James Weldon Johnson Bench in Wiscasset, ME

Tess Chakkalakal is the creator, executive producer and host of Dead Writers. Brock Clarke is our writer and co-host.

Lisa Bartfai is the managing producer and executive editor. Our music is composed by Cedric Wilson, who also mixes the show. Ella Jones is our web editorial intern, and Mark Hoffman created our logo. 

This episode was produced with the generous support of our sponsors Bath Savings and listeners like you.