Langston Hughes, an esteemed and prolific poet, author, and playwright of the early twentieth century, left a major cultural and political impact on the United States of America during the Harlem Renaissance. His body of work, focused largely on advocating for the rights and interests of African Americans and other people of color, has helped shape a more inclusive nation and society. But while much has been discussed and written regarding Hughes and his significant accomplishments, there has been little mention of his family.
In fact, Langston Hughes had one sibling: his older half brother, named Norris Hughes. Norris was the firstborn son of Langston’s father, James Nathaniel Hughes, and his mother, Mary Paten. Born in Ohio in 1892, Norris was two years older than Langston. Although Langston and Norris had different mothers, records suggest that the two were close throughout their childhood, likely helped in part by the fact that their mother Mary was also a caretaker for both children.
Norris left for college shortly after Langston was born, studying at a prep school in Pennsylvania. From there, he went on to Columbia University, aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in journalism. Indeed, that is precisely the path Norris took: after leaving the university, he quickly distinguished himself as a journalist and began writing for The Chicago Defender, one of the nation’s most notable African-American newspapers of the era.
At the same time, Langston was pursuing his own passions in the arts, writing and performing throughout his teenage years. Langston described his brother as his role model, and Norris’s influence is evident in much of Langston’s work. For example, in an essay entitled “When Big Brother Comes Home,” Langston expresses admiration for Norris’s success and its inspirative qualities.
Unlike Langston, who died in 1967 of complications from prostate cancer, Norris Hughes lived a long and successful life. He went on to run a thriving advertising firm in Chicago and wrote widely on African-American culture and politics. Most notably, he wrote a three-volume historical account on slavery in the United States that is widely hailed as a masterpiece of historical writing. Norris passed away in 1971 in Ohio, at the age of 79.
Seeking Out Social Justice
Though his career largely took place outside of public spotlight, Norris Hughes left an indelible mark on his community and society. Throughout his professional career, Norris sought to illuminate and challenge the injustices of racism—a cause which was close to his heart, being an African-American himself.
Norris is remembered today particularly for his work on the famous Scottsboro Trials, when nine African-American teenagers were falsely accused of raping two white women in an incident of racial injustice with national implications. While his brother Langston was galvanizing the nation with his literature, Norris was working tirelessly both behind the scenes and in a public capacity to fight for justice for the Scottsboro defendants, successfully seeing the case overturned by the Supreme Court in 1932.
In addition to this case, Norris wrote extensively on the subject of civil rights, editing magazines and publications and giving speeches to draw attention to both social and legal injustices. His words and actions reached a wide swath of the nation, making an important contribution in the fight for equality.
Langston Hughes’ Legacy
Though the connection between Langston and Norris has largely been overlooked in the past, in more recent years there has been increased attention given to the impact the two brothers have had on American politics, culture, and literature, both individually and together.
On the one hand, Norris’ legacy is felt in his extensive writings and public advocacy. On the other, Langston’s impact ripples throughout the decades via his extensive poetic works and profound cultural and political statements.
Though the two men’s lives and work differed drastically, together they formed a powerful and influential duo, with Norris’ legal and journalistic work priming the way for Langston’s breakthrough literary contributions. Thanks to the efforts and interactions of both brothers, the country was able to take a closer look at the plight of African Americans, and to see unprecedented progress towards social justice and equality for all.
The Cultural Impact
Over time, the influence of Norris and Langston Hughes extended beyond the borders of the United States and into international cultures, thanks to Langston’s work that was translated into multiple languages, including Russian and Chinese. Their impact can be seen in countries around the world, where their works and ideas have inspired people from all walks of life to ascend from oppression and struggle towards a better society and future.
Today, Langston and Norris’ lasting legacies extend beyond the two brothers and ripple out into the wider world, with their example of how two men from vastly different paths and walks of life can combine forces to create change. Through the monumental efforts of these two half-brothers, a nation of individuals was able to turn their eyes and ears towards a more equitable and just society.
The Hughes Women
In addition to Norris Hughes, Langston had two other siblings, both women. Their names were Eloise Hughes and Alice Hughes, and they were the daughters of Langston’s father, James Nathaniel Hughes, and his second wife, Alice Barret. Eloise was born in 1895 and Alice was born in 1896. Records suggest that the two women had a strong bond with their half-brother Langston, and Norris shared many of the same characteristics with his two sisters.
Though relatively little is known about Eloise and Alice, it is clear that Langston remained close to his two half-sisters throughout his lifetime. In a shared letter addressed to Eloise, for example, Langston expresses his profound admiration for her, highlighting her caring and selfless qualities.
Sadly, Eloise passed away in 1927 and Alice in 1971, just a few years before Norris himself passed away. Their legacies live on, however, in Langston’s poetry and other works that pay homage to the profound power of sisterhood.
Unlockimg the Puzzle
In spite of their obvious differences, Langston and Norris Hughes shared a unique and compelling connection that bonded them together in life and beyond. While Langston’s contributions to the world of literature and politics have been immortalized, Norris’ contributions are often overlooked—but together, their accomplishments had profound effects, both in the past and in the present.
Today, the Hughes siblings are often referred to as “the puzzle masters”, in recognition of the complex nature of their intersecting paths. From music to literature to law, their collective efforts combined to create a cultural and political movement that continues to inspire people of all backgrounds today. The legacy of Langston and Norris Hughes, and of Eloise and Alice Hughes, is a testament to the incredible power of family, and to the strides that can be made when different lives come together in pursuit of a collective vision.
