Meaning: The quote you've provided is from James Weldon Johnson, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a key figure in African American literature and civil rights activism. This quote comes from his autobiography, "The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man," published in 1912. In this quote, Johnson reflects on his decision to leave the North and attend Atlanta University in the South. The "peculiar fascination" that the South held over his imagination and his limited capital led him to choose Atlanta University, prompting him to bid farewell to the familiar friends and scenes of his boyhood and embark on a journey to the South.

James Weldon Johnson's decision to attend Atlanta University reflects the complex relationship that many African Americans had with the South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The South held a unique allure for many African Americans, as it was the birthplace of their ancestors and the center of the African American experience in America. Despite the oppressive conditions of Jim Crow segregation and racial violence, the South also represented a sense of cultural and historical belonging for many African Americans. This "peculiar fascination" Johnson speaks of captures the contradictory emotions and complexities that African Americans experienced in relation to the South.

Johnson's decision to attend Atlanta University also sheds light on the limited opportunities available to African Americans for higher education during this time. While the North offered more opportunities for social and economic advancement, the South held historical and cultural significance for African Americans. Despite his "limited capital," Johnson chose the South as the place to pursue his education, highlighting the significance of institutions like Atlanta University in providing educational opportunities for African Americans in the South.

The decision to leave behind the "friends and scenes of my boyhood" also symbolizes a significant moment of transition and change in Johnson's life. It marks a pivotal moment of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown, a theme that resonates with many individuals who have experienced major life transitions. Johnson's departure from the North to the South not only represented a physical journey but also a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and growth.

The quote also encapsulates the theme of migration and mobility, which was a fundamental aspect of the African American experience during this period. Many African Americans, like Johnson, left their homes in the South to seek better opportunities in the North during the Great Migration. However, Johnson's decision to move in the opposite direction, from the North to the South, challenges the dominant narrative of African American migration during this time. His choice to attend Atlanta University represents a different form of mobility, one that sought to reclaim and engage with the cultural and historical roots of the South.

In conclusion, James Weldon Johnson's quote captures the complex emotions and decisions that many African Americans grappled with during the early 20th century. His choice to attend Atlanta University in the South reflects the multifaceted relationship that African Americans had with the region, as well as the significance of education and migration in shaping individual experiences. Johnson's journey from the North to the South symbolizes a deeper quest for self-discovery and cultural connection, shedding light on the broader themes of African American history and identity.