80. The author of the excerpt is? 'Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,Let us march on till victory is won.'

Answer: D

Explanation:

James Weldon Johnson is the author of the excerpt.

James Weldon Johnson wrote the lines presented in the excerpt, which are part of the poem "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This poem has become an anthem for the civil rights movement and is celebrated for its themes of hope and perseverance.

A) Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a prominent essayist and philosopher known for his works on transcendentalism. He did not write "Lift Every Voice and Sing," making this option incorrect in the context of the question.

B) Harriet Beecher Stowe

Harriet Beecher Stowe was an author best known for her anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." While she made significant contributions to literature and social reform, she is not associated with the excerpt in question.

C) Margaret Walker

Margaret Walker was an accomplished poet and novelist, recognized for her works that explore African American culture and history. However, she did not author "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which rules this option out.

D) James Weldon Johnson

James Weldon Johnson is indeed the author of the excerpt. He composed "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which reflects the struggles and aspirations of the African American community, making this option correct.

E) George Moses Horton

George Moses Horton was an early African American poet known for his poignant works about slavery and freedom. Although he made significant contributions to American literature, he did not write the excerpt provided, rendering this option incorrect.

Conclusion

James Weldon Johnson is the definitive author of the excerpt, as it is a well-known poem that encapsulates the spirit of hope and resilience. The other options, while notable figures in American literature, did not write the lines in question, confirming that D is the only correct choice.