Langston Hughes was an African American poet and writer often regarded as the foremost creator of the movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. He is widely remembered for his powerful, impactful poems which sought to capture the struggles and heartache of African Americans living in an at times hostile American society. Having contributed several ground-breaking works of literature during his lifetime, Langston Hughes tragically passed away on May 22, 1967 from complications due to prostate cancer which he had been living with for a number of years.
The exact cause of Hughes’ prostate cancer is unknown, however many believe that it was a result of life-long exposure to racial discrimination. African Americans were routinely denied access to healthcare as recently as the 1960s, letting underlying health issues become much more severe before diagnosis.
Prior to his diagnosis, Langston Hughes had been named Poetry Consultant at the Library of Congress in 1943. His ground-breaking works of literature which fused the African American living experience with an array of artistic styles and ideologies earned him widespread recognition and respect. His most famous poem, “Harlem”, is a clear example of his works which grappled with issues such as poverty, racism and class struggle. He was also the first African American to earn a living solely as a writer.
While Hughes’ death was untimely, he had a lasting impact on not only the world of literature but civil rights on a broader scale. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) awarded Hughes with the Spingarn Medal in 1960 for his work in civil rights. This momentous award, reserved for those with mastery in their field, was awarded to Hughes 8 years before his death.
In a heartfelt eulogy, novelist James Baldwin is quoted as saying, “The death of Langston Hughes meant the extinction of his voice, not only his beautiful once-heard and beloved voice but, more importantly, that profound questioning of the relevance of American democracy to the American Negro”. Langston Hughes’ poetry and writing has since been invested with a new found respect as his work and legacy continue to inspire Black writers and readers across the world.
His Writing
In total, Langston Hughes wrote 17 books of poetry, numerous short stories, biographies, plays and more. In 1926, Hughes released his ground-breaking semi-autobiographical novel, “Not Without Laughter”, which boldly dealt with issues surrounding everyday life in rural African American communities. Hughes’ unique style of writing – blending everyday speech with nuances and technical elements of certain forms of poetry – forever changed how African American stories and culture were communicated in the literary world. He had written many of his works in both English and his unique “Black folk language”, often combining the two in a single sentence or poem.
Hughes was a tireless worker and often pushed the limits of his craft and of his own stamina. During his lifetime he received accolades ranging from the prestigious Beinecke Library Fellowship to a Guggenheim Fellowship. His mission throughout his writing and his life was to tell the stories of African Americans and empower the African American community.
Poetic Legacy
Throughout his life, Langston Hughes was a prolific wordsmith, his works memorable and meaningful. His total output of creative, poetic and political works stand as a source of inspiration for generations to come. His beloved poem, Harlem, has become an American literary classic which conveys the heartache of inequality and the promise of a better future.
Every year, the Academy of American Poets, in honour of Hughes, hosts National Poetry Month, a month-long celebration of poetry and even poetry writing workshops for locals to hone their craft. His works also remain a part of curriculum in many American high schools and universities.
Today, the Langston Hughes Society grants volunteer awards to poets living in the Societal mission to “expand knowledge of the life and works of Langston Hughes, to identify and resources, recognize and encourage the study of Hughes’ works”.
Social Impact
When Langston Hughes died, he left behind an incredible legacy-including his words, poetry and writings- which have become a source of inspiration and transformation for society today. His contributions have immortalised him and ensured his memory will live on beyond the grave.
Throughout his career, Hughes wrote and spoke out against racism, oppression and inequality towards African Americans. He strived to bring attention to the causes of African Americans through works like his popular “Letter From Langston” and by starting the Negro Activist League (NAL). Hughes is believed to be a key driver behind the Civil Rights Movement and it can be said that he paved the way for future African American activists.
One of Hughes’ powerful efforts to break down racial boundaries was his program “Source” which was funded by The National Endowment of the Arts. Through Source, Hughes was able to bring together amateur and professional black and white poets to explore themes related to race and identity. He believed in the power of art and dialogue to bridge the gap between people of different backgrounds.
Conclusion of Death
When Langston Hughes died on May 22, 1967, it was met with shock and sadness. He had been admitted to the hospital in New York several months before his death due to incredibly debilitating effects of prostate cancer. His friends, family and poets alike mourned the death of their beloved Langston, who held a special place in their hearts.
The impact of Hughes goes beyond the words he wrote; it lives on in the hearts and minds of those he inspired. The works of Langston Hughes remain relevant today, his message of love an inspiration for anyone wishing to fight for civil rights.
Selected Works
Throughout his lifetime, Langston Hughes wrote a wide range of works in different genres. His most famous works include: “Harlem”, “The Weary Blues”, “Not Without Laughter” , and “Selected Poems of Langston Hughes”. Along with his other works such as “Laughing to Keep from Crying”, “The Big Sea”, and “Fine Clothes to the Jew”.
Popular Poems
Hughes was perhaps best known for his poetry. His most popular works were “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “Song for a Dark Girl”. These poems were widely regarded as landmark works of poetry and quickly gained critical acclaim. He was also known for his many other thought-provoking works such as “Mother to Son”, “Merry-Go-Round”, and “Theme for English B”.
Influence on Art and Music
Hughes is credited with providing inspiration and themes to many other works of art, particularly in the realm of music. His most notable contributions included the memorable poem and spoken-word recording, “The Panther and the Lash”, which provided some of the inspiration for the legendary artist Marvin Gaye’s album “What’s Going On”.
Hughes’ works have also been prominently featured in musicals such as “Shuffle Along” and “Hot Shoe”, and his poetry has been the subjects of award-winning films such as “A Raisin In The Sun”. His words and ideas continue to turn up in the works of many different writers, poets and public figures.
Memorials and Awards
Langston Hughes’ impact on literature, civil rights and the arts is remembered in many ways around the world. Aside from the National Poetry Month, The Langston Hughes Society works to preserve his legacy in many target cities in the United States. There are statues erected in his honour around the United States, Europe and Africa.
The Langston Hughes Award was founded in 1989 in recognition of exceptional lifelong works by African American writers. The prestigious award is granted only to authors who display excellence in the craft, just like Hughes himself.
