Let us march on! James Weldon Johnson and the Silent Protest Parade

Most people familiar with the name James Weldon Johnson associate him with "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a poem he wrote in 1900, which became a hymn and is often called "the Black national anthem." 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. Ten thousand adults and children marched in silence, carrying signs expressing their views, such as "Make America Safe for Democracy." Sponsored by the NAACP, the march brought attention to their cause. An author's note explains the motivations for this "Silent Protest Parade," which took place in New York City in 1917 and called for an end to widespread racial violence such as the East St. Louis massacre the previous month and, more broadly, individual acts of terrorism that had gone unchecked for years. Gordon's handsome digital artwork illustrates the story with dignity in this expressive picture book.

A "man of words" envisions a silent demonstration in this moving account of the Silent Protest Parade, a 1917 Manhattan civil rights march. In free verse that creates a rhythmic tug, a third-person narrative introduces lawyer and poet James Weldon Johnson (1871--1938), whose "Lift Every Voice and Sing" became known as the Black national anthem. Early lines explain that "white people had long hurt Black people," and how increased attacks--further discussed in back matter--led Johnson to call for a march in New York City: "A big protest/ on the biggest avenue/ in the biggest city/ in the country," featuring "just serious,/ somber/ silence." Explaining that silence can sometimes be more powerful than words, he conceives an idea that results in a march of 10,000, including hundreds of silent children alongside adults, all protesting the hatred and violence. Crisp prose from Williams and Long is matched by Gordon's high-contrast digital illustrations in browns, oranges, and yellows, which mimic chalk and monoprint textures. An authors' note provides further context. Ages 4--8. (May)

An NAACP leader found a unique way to confront racism in the early 20th century. Writer and Civil Rights activist James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a man of multiple talents, not the least of which was his facility with language; his poem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is often referred to as the Black national anthem. But he knew there were also times when silence could be more effective than raised voices. With racist violence on the rise, he conceived of an unusual protest: "No chanting, / no cheering, / no chuckling. / Just serious, / somber / silence." In 1917 in New York City, 10,000 people, among them children, marched down Fifth Avenue, carrying signs with messages about justice and the contributions of Black heroes. As one of the march's leaders, Johnson remained as quiet as the rest of the participants, who were kept in step by drumbeats. Twenty thousand spectators watched this display of bravery and determination. Written in terse, at times staccato verse, Williams and Long's portrayal of an important protest will be understood by even the youngest readers. 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. An authors' note provides valuable context for the events. A moving depiction of a potent response to a dark period in U.S. history. (text of "Lift Every Voice and Sing") (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.