The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

"I became aware that I was different—that I was what is called a colored man."

James Weldon Johnson's The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is a bold, pioneering work of American literature—a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of race, identity, and belonging in early 20th-century America.

Originally published anonymously in 1912, this semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of a light-skinned African American man who can «pass» as white. Torn between pride in his Black heritage and the privileges of white society, he must decide whether to embrace his true identity or conceal it to gain safety and success.

Through vivid storytelling, Johnson examines the complexities of racial passing, double consciousness, and the search for self, blending social commentary with lyrical prose and insight. His narrative captures the struggles, contradictions, and moral dilemmas faced by those living in a divided and prejudiced world.

At once a social critique, psychological study, and artistic confession, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man remains a groundbreaking exploration of what it means to define oneself in a society that refuses to see beyond color.

A timeless and courageous novel, it continues to resonate with readers seeking to understand the intersection of race, identity, and the human soul.

Click Buy Now to experience James Weldon Johnson's The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man—a landmark classic of race, identity, and the American experience.