James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a civil rights activist and Renaissance man- variously, he was a lawyer, author, poet, songwriter, professor, and even a diplomat in Teddy Roosevelt's administration. Some of his most famous works include the anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" and the novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man . James E. Ransome's numerous accolades include a Coretta Scott King Medal (which he won for The Creation ), two Coretta Scott King Honors, one of which was awarded for Before She Was Harriet, and an NAACP Image Award. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and collaborator, writer Lesa Cline-Ransome.