Tuesday, March 25, the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation voted unanimously in support of a bill from Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, that would designate a railroad crossing in Wiscasset in honor of civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson. LD 243, “Resolve, to Name a Railroad Crossing in Wiscasset the James Weldon Johnson Crossing,” now moves to the full Legislature for consideration.

“James Weldon Johnson was a statesman in the fullest sense — a visionary who carried the promise of American democracy into every arena he touched,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “Through his work as a lawyer, educator, diplomat and author, he showed the world what it means to strive toward a more just, inclusive and principled society. Naming this crossing in his honor is not only a tribute to his legacy, but a recognition of the American values he spent his life advancing.”

Johnson's life’s work advanced the principles of democracy, justice and equality both nationally and internationally. His contributions to the U.S. were wide-ranging, encompassing law, diplomacy, education, literature and the arts. As a prominent civil rights leader, Johnson worked to protect voting rights, combat racial violence and uphold the nation’s founding ideals.

Born in 1871, Johnson became the first Black attorney admitted to the Florida Bar since Reconstruction and served as a school principal. He went on to represent the U.S. abroad as a diplomat under President Theodore Roosevelt, where he promoted democratic values and global cooperation.

Johnson was also a celebrated writer and composer. His poem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” originally written to mark Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, was later set to music by his brother and has become a powerful anthem of hope, perseverance and unity. This year, the Legislature marked the 125th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by passing a Joint Resolution, sponsored by Sen. Talbot Ross, commemorating the poem and Johnson's legacy. Additionally, since 2022, Maine has recognized Johnson’s birthday every June 17 as James Weldon Johnson Day.

In 1938, Johnson was killed in an automobile accident at the railroad crossing in Wiscasset that LD 243 seeks to name in his honor. His death was mourned across the country, with more than 2,000 people attending his funeral. Today, his legacy continues to inspire generations committed to equity and civic progress.

This designation would be the first recorded time in Maine history that a railroad crossing is named through legislation. MaineDOT has indicated it will install the signage using existing resources and confirmed there are no financial requirements associated with the bill.

LD 243 now faces votes in the Senate and House.

Sen. Talbot Ross represents part of Portland and Peaks Island in the Maine Senate.