We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the deep influence and inspiration of poets from the past who conveyed profound truths through their art.
In this quote, James Weldon Johnson acknowledges the contributions of unknown poets and artists from history, marveling at how they were able to express such powerful emotions and ideas through their work. He considers the 'sacred fire' as the creative inspiration that fuels artistic expression, suggesting that despite their anonymity, these bards played a vital role in shaping cultural and artistic legacy.
Themes
ArtPoetryInspirationCreativityLegacy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech celebrating the importance of artists in shaping culture.
More from James Weldon Johnson
All quotes →There are a great many colored people who are ashamed of the cake-walk, but I think they ought to be proud of it.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
The battle was first waged over the right of the Negro to be classed as a human being with a soul; later, as to whether he had sufficient intellect to master even the rudiments of learning; and today it is being fought out over his social recognition.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
I believe it to be a fact that the colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
It is a struggle; for though the black man fights passively, he nevertheless fights; and his passive resistance is more effective at present than active resistance could possibly be. He bears the fury of the storm as does the willow tree.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
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