The Creation Poem Project is a fully animated adaptation of James Weldon Johnson’s iconic African American poem, accompanied by a 100-page graphic novel based on design assets from the finished film.
Both the animated film and graphic novel will be completed by Spring 2027, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Johnson’s celebrated collection of poems, God’s Trombones; Seven Negro Sermons in Verse.
The Creation is a uniquely American poem that imagines the first chapters of Genesis as Black Gospel sermon. James Weldon Johnson, Harlem Renaissance poet and first Black Executive Secretary of the NAACP, captures both the majestic power on display at the inception of the universe, and a Creator’s poignant desire for intimacy that leads to the creation of humankind.
The Creation Poem Project celebrates the power and legacy of the Black Gospel tradition, while inviting a new and diverse audience to dig deeply into the wisdom of a human origin story that recognizes the worth of all people, celebrates the unparalleled beauty of creation, and calls us to steward the resources that have been placed in our care.
Learn More: https://jsl-studio-animation.webnode.page/creationpoem/