Langston Hughes, who is often referred to as the “poet laureate of the Harlem Renaissance”, was born on February 1, 1902. He was an African American poet and novelist, who was highly influenced by the jazz culture of the 1920s and 1930s. His works are known for their strong soul searching, passion and nuanced perspectives of the African American experience. So, does Hughes have siblings?
The answer is, yes. Langston Hughes had two siblings who bore the same last name as him, a brother and a sister. His brother was named Gideon Hughes, and his sister was named Carrie Hughes. Both of his siblings were born and raised in Joplin, Missouri, the same area in which Langston was born.
Langston and his brother Gideon, often referred to as Giddy, had a very close relationship, especially since they were only four years apart in age. Though Langston was known as the more ambitious, educated and outwardly successful one of the two, it was in fact Gideon who embraced his creativity the most, often encouraging Langston’s poetry and writing. Langston would later dedicate one of his most popular works, The Dream Keeper and Other Poems, to Gideon.
Gideon Hughes attended Lincoln University, and then subsequently served in the Big Red One unit of the U. S. Army during World War I. He would later become a successful pharmacist and would also try his hand at business and real estate. He would support and guide Langston’s literary career, even sending a complete shipment of his collected works to his publishers in Europe for a European tour.
Langston’s sister, Carrie, was described by those who knew her as being a kind, harmonious person. She was the middle child between Langston and Gideon, and aside from being a sister to both, she seemed to serve as a bridge between them. She was also quite talented, playing the saxophone and piano.
Carrie was born deaf in one ear. Though she gained some partial hearing back in one ear, she was unfortunately never able to experience music in its full richness. Despite her disability, Carrie was a very emotional and passionate person, who was regularly seen on stage playing during Langston’s spoken performances. She even eventually married a saxophone player by the name of Harry Craddock, who was a part of Langston’s musical group at the time.
Langston, Gideon and Carrie’s mother, Mary Langston, was a school teacher. Langston and Gideon’s father, James Nathaniel Hughes, was a lawyer who abandoned the family when Langston was just nine months old, leaving Mary to take care of the three siblings alone.
Gideon’s Impact On Langston
Gideon Hughes had a profound impact on Langston’s life and work. He encouraged Langston to create and express himself through art and literature, and it was his support and appreciation of Langston’s talents that helped shape Langston into the towering figure of the cultural world that he became.
In his essay titled “My Brother”, Langston wrote of Gideon: “In my youth I was a hard-working student-and I didn’t like to work little jobs for little pay when the novels that I wrote were not selling. Then, at times, Giddy was there to give me the little financial help I needed for my clothes and board until I could make a living with my pen.”
There’s no denying that Gideon was an important figure in Langston’s success as an artist and poet. Langston even dedicated his copy of I, Too to Gideon, his first published novel, writing: “To my very dear brother, Giddy, Langston.” This dedication speaks volumes to the bond that was shared between the two.
Carrie’s Support
Though she faced her own struggles with her hearing disability and with financial insecurity, Langston’s sister Carrie supported him and his dreams of becoming a writer. She often attended his performances and encouraged him to pursue his passions. As Langston was growing up, she shared her love of music with him, exposing him to her favorite instruments, thereby encouraging Langston’s own eventual love for music.
In an interview with Langston, he stated that, “There was and is something unique, I think, in the interaction between Carrie and me. Much of her confidence in my writing abilities, I believe, was based on the fact that I was a poet, a writer, and that I also shared her love of music.”
It is clear that Carrie didn’t only influence Langston’s career, but she also became a powerful role model for him. She exemplified the importance of resilience and self-love, and Langston would often look to her for guidance and inspiration.
The Hughes Family Legacy
Though Langston Hughes was the most celebrated member of the Hughes family, it is clear that his siblings, Gideon and Carrie, had a great impact on him and his career. Langston’s brother provided the financial and emotional support that Langston needed to become a successful writer, and his sister provided her unconditional love and inspiring resilience that Langston took to heart. Together, the Hughes siblings formed an inspiring, powerful legacy.
Langston’s relatives have played a role in keeping his legacy alive, with several of his descendants coming together to create the Langston Hughes family foundation. The Langston Hughes Family Foundation holds fundraisers, conferences and tours to raise awareness of Langston’s works and share knowledge of his life, family and the impact of his writing on the world.
Langston’s Impact On His Siblings
It is impossible to underestimate the effect that Langston had on his siblings. His success as an artist and poet no doubt gave them a reason to be proud of their family and encouraged them to pursue their own dreams. In letters written by both Gideon and Carrie, it is evident that they felt a great deal of admiration, love and respect for their brother, and his success was a source of pride for both of them.
In a letter to Langston, Gideon wrote: “With the help of God, I shall continue to be the protector of your works and proud of the fact that I am your brother.” This sentiment speaks to the strong bond between the two siblings, and how overjoyed Gideon was with Langston’s success.
In addition, Carrie was also proud of her brother’s writing, often attending his literary events and performances and extolling him to others she knew. In a letter to her brother, Carrie wrote: “It is so wonderful hearing all the wonderful things that have come of your poetic genius. It is very exciting.”
The Hughes Family’s Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Langston Hughes and his siblings has endured the test of time and continues to inspire people all over the world. Their ability to stay true to their dreams, even in the face of adversity, is an important life lesson, and their bond with one another serves as an example of how family relationships can be sources of both love and inspiration. Langston and his brothers and sisters have left a lasting impression on the world, and their legacy will continue to influence generations to come.
Langston’s Legacy From A Cultural Perspective
The legacy left behind by Langston Hughes and his siblings is widely seen and appreciated from a cultural perspective. Langston’s works are studied in classrooms all over the world, and he is often referred to as one of the most influential African American writers in history. His powerful, eloquent and thought-provoking works have not only provided insight into the African American experience, but have also have become cultural touchstones worldwide.
Langston and his siblings created a ripple effect in the cultural world, inspiring others to express themselves honestly, truthfully and creatively. Langston’s works have been the cornerstone of many African American artists, writers and musicians. From Toni Morrison to Kanye West, countless African American artists have been heavily influenced by Langston’s works, referencing him in their own works and using him as an example of how to create powerful, meaningful art.
The Impact Of Langston Hughes On The Harlem Renaissance
Langston Hughes and his siblings were also integral to the development of the Harlem Renaissance. Langston was one of the most recognized and respected figures of the period, and his works captured the hopes, dreams, struggles and realities of African Americans living during a time of immense racism and bigotry. His works marked a new era in African American literature, and his contributions to literature, music and culture as a whole, have continued to shape the way African Americans are seen and respected today.
Langston also served as a mentor to emerging artists, writers and musicians of the period, encouraging and inspiring them to pursue their own dreams, no matter what they may be. He brought attention to the harms of racial inequality and injustice, and his works provided an avenue for African Americans to express themselves freely through the arts.
Conclusion
Though Langston Hughes was the most renowned of his siblings, it is clear that all three members of the Hughes family had a profound influence on one another. From Langston’s financial and emotional support of Gideon and Carrie, to Gideon and Carrie’s unwavering love of and belief in Langston’s art, their bond and support of each other ultimately helped Langston become one of the most revered African American writers of all time. Together, the Hughes siblings left a lasting legacy of resilience, ambition and creativity that continues to reverberate throughout the world today.
