James Weldon Johnson Becomes First Black NAACP Executive Secretary; Leads Anti-Lynching Push

James Weldon Johnson became the NAACP's first Black executive secretary in 1920, leading the organization through its most intensive anti-lynching legislative campaigns. Johnson, also the author of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' testified before Congress, organized lobbying campaigns, and supervised the national investigation of lynchings. Under his leadership the NAACP grew from 310 to 450 chapters. Johnson's 1930 book 'Black Manhattan' documented the vitality of Harlem's cultural and political life. He resigned in 1930, succeeded by Walter White.