God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse by James Weldon Johnson is a powerful poetic tribute to the rich oral traditions of African-American sermons. First published in 1927, this collection stands as a Harlem Renaissance classic, capturing the vibrant cadences, spiritual fervour, and profound storytelling of Black preachers. Johnson, best known for co-authoring “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and writing The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, masterfully translates the emotional resonance of church sermons into verse.
The seven poems in God’s Trombones — including “The Creation,”“The Prodigal Son,”“Go Down Death (A Funeral Sermon),” and “The Judgment Day” — echo the rhythms and imagery of biblical narratives while celebrating African-American spiritual resilience. Each piece reflects the musicality and power of the spoken word, making the reader feel the commanding presence of a preacher’s voice.
The collection is further enhanced by the striking illustrations of Aaron Douglas, a prominent artist of the Harlem Renaissance. His art complements Johnson’s poetry, adding depth and visual storytelling to the sermons.
