Artist William Henry Johnson was born on March 18, 1901, in the small town of Florence, South Carolina, to parents Henry Johnson and Alice Smoot, who were both laborers. Johnson realized his dreams of becoming an artist at a young age, copying cartoons from the paper as a child. However, as the oldest of the family’s five children, who lived in a poor, segregated town in the South, Johnson tucked away his aspirations of becoming an artist, deeming them unrealistic.

While his paintings of African Americans in the United States began to gain attention after they were showcased in exhibitions during the early 1940s, the break of the new decade marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the artist. In 1941, a solo exhibition was held for Johnson at Alma Reed Galleries. The following year, a fire destroyed Johnson’s studio, leaving his artwork and supplies reduced to ashes. Two years later, in 1944, Johnson’s beloved wife of 14 years, Krake, died of breast cancer.

Winemaker/Founder  Phil Long of Longevity Wines, began his journey making wine in the garage with his wife Debra.  Now with over a decade of winemaking experience, and a list of awards too long to print, Winemaker Phil continues his journey with the constant of always improving in place.  “In the business of winemaking, the minute you think you know it all, it’s time to get out.”
The cellar practices and techniques that Phil uses in the production of wine are constantly re-evaluated and improved, to ultimately elevate the quality of the wines produced.  The grapes are personally sourced and chosen by Phil.  “Great wine starts with great fruit, there is no way around that”.  Grapes are sourced from only the best vineyards for use in the production of Longevity Wines.  Phil began making wine in the Livermore Valley in 2006 under the Longevity label, using other facilities.  It was only a matter of time before production was moved from other facilities, to Longevity’s own facility in Livermore.  Yearly production from 500 cases per year, to the current production of 2500.  Phil enjoys the challenge of making many different wines, and continues to strive for wines that are high in quality instead of high quantities.

Our beautifully appointed rooms will bring you the perfect blend of the nostalgia of 1940’s and the modern luxury you will come to expect from the Sojourn Heritage Brand.

We welcome you with a complimentary bottle of our signature wines, made by African American winemaker Phil Long.   Each of our guest rooms also features a curated library full of wonderful reads about the artist, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs who made the Harlem Renaissance one of the most progressive and empowering times for African Americans. Relax and enjoy some of the movements most iconic books such as “The Souls of Black folk” by W.E.B Dubois or a “Their Eyes were watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston.

Experience our hand-crafted, eco-friendly shea butter infused toiletries all custom designed for Sojourn, not only to nourish your body but also delight your senses.

Hi speed internet and cable are also included in your stay, along with exciting new technology designed for the hospitality market.

Topping it all off, a complimentary full breakfast is prepared each morning just for you.