The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man: A Story of Identity, Passing, and Race in America

What does it mean to choose your race in a divided world?

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is James Weldon Johnson's powerful and groundbreaking novel, exploring the life of a biracial man navigating racial identity, class, and artistic ambition in post-Reconstruction America. With honesty and emotional depth, this semi-fictional account charts his journey from Southern schools to Harlem clubs to a life of secrecy and survival as he "passes" for white.

First published anonymously in 1912, this novel is a landmark of American literature, addressing issues that remain urgently relevant today.

💬 "A courageous, nuanced portrait of Black identity, cultural conflict, and self-determination."

✊ Why Readers Should Discover This Book: A foundational work in African American literature and Harlem Renaissance thought

Perfect for fans of Passing by Nella Larsen, Invisible Man, and Homegoing

Essential for readers of race, history, and personal transformation

📣 See the World Through Two Eyes—But Live with One Name. Buy The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man today and explore a powerful story of race, identity, and survival in America.

© 2025 Zenith Evergreen Literary Co. (Ebook): 9782386911736

Release date

Ebook: April 22, 2025