The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson is a cornerstone of African American literature, as it provides a unique narrative in which the protagonist struggles to find his place within both African American and white social structures. The text serves to challenge existing notions of race and identity by providing an intimate glimpse into the life and thoughts of its protagonist. Through this exploration, Johnson seeks to expand the scope of African American literature by emphasizing the complexities of racial identity formation.