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Let Us March On!
James Weldon Johnson and the Silent Protest Parade
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Table of Contents
About The Book
James Weldon Johnson was a man of words. He wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a poem so uplifting and inspiring it became known as the Black national anthem. James was also a leader of the NAACP, and many people turned to him for advice in troubling times. And then was one of those times. White people were hurting Black people in scary and shocking ways.
“Let us march,” James said, “in New York City.” A big protest on the biggest avenue in the biggest city in the country. “And,” he said, “let’s make it a silent march.” Because sometimes silence can be more powerful than screaming and shouting.
In July 1917, James helped lead thousands of children and adults in the Silent Protest Parade as they marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City. Today, the parade stands as an inspiring reminder of the power of protest in all forms, and the power and resilience of young people in the face of ongoing racial hatred and violence.
About The Illustrator
Xia Gordon graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in cartooning and illustration. She is the illustrator of A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan and Let Us March On! by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long and has worked with clients such as The New York Times, BuzzFeed, Lenny Letter, and Narratively. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at XiaGordon.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 28, 2024)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665902786
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"James Weldon Johnson was a highly respected lawyer, teacher, and writer. When he spoke,
“people listened.” Addressing a crowd in the aftermath of troubling violence, he proposed that the
Black community respond with a silent protest march down the biggest street in the largest city in
America. … Gordon’s handsome digital artwork illustrates the story with dignity in this expressive picture book."
– Booklist
"The idea that a man of words could harness silence to convey a powerful message comes through loudly. Expressive digital illustrations in a palette of browns, tans, yellows, and fiery oranges support the storytelling. . . A moving depiction of a potent response to a dark period in U.S. history."
– Kirkus Reviews
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Let Us March On! Hardcover 9781665902786
- Author Photo (jpg): Yohuru Williams PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit