Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist. He was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902 and since then has been considered one of the foremost figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes’s influence was felt on many different aspects of literature and social justice in the twentieth century.
Buffeted by criticism from voices that sought to keep him from publishing his works and from progressives who thought him too quaint and old-fashioned, Hughes worked to bring African American culture into the American mainstream. This culture was reflected in his works, such as “The Weary Blues,” “I, Too, Sing America,” and “Harlem.” His stories consistently championed the working-class African American, the “Low Men on the Totem Pole,” in struggles against both those who sought to oppress them and their own self-defeating tendencies. Hughes sought not just to record the conflicts and emotions of African Americans but also to provide them with hope and pride in their accomplishments.
Hughes used his writing to support the civil rights movement. During the 1950s, he was one of the most prominent voices in the nation speaking out in favor of desegregation and equality. He used his fame to spread messages of tolerance and acceptance. He was also actively involved in the Harlem community and organized events to bring people together.
Hughes used his work to capture a more timeless truth about African American life, one that extended beyond the political and economic context of the civil rights movement. His words often conjured up images of strength, faith, and endurance. His poems, short stories, and novels were often infused with his experiences as an African American man and a writer, communicating his desire for a more inclusive and understanding society.
From the 1920s through the ’50s, Hughes was busiest, creating novels, plays, and even a musical. In 1951 he was awarded the Anisfield-Wolf Prize, an honor given mainly to authors who have created literature of exceptional merit which helps further the cause of civil rights and human brotherhood. He was also the first African American recipient of the prestigious Spingarn Medal and the first African American inducted into the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1964.
Throughout all of his works, Hughes placed his emphasis on cultural identity and civil rights in an effort to help unify African Americans through poetry, drama, and prose. Hughes wanted to create opportunities for all Americans to benefit from their diversity and to recognize the strength of their shared experience. His efforts and accomplishments helped to inspire many future generations of African American artists, who sought to build on his legacy.
Musical Experession
The musical expression of Langston Hughes dramatically influenced the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century. Hughes began writing poetry and various musical works for the theater as early as 1919. In 1945, he composed musicals with music and lyrics based on his own poetry, in which he also starred in some performances. Hughes’s musical works became just as popular as his poems and stories.
His musical works sought to capture the feeling of hope and optimism that luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance brought to life. In his song “Say It with Music,” Hughes encouraged African Americans to recognize the unique contributions that they bring to society and to express it with music. Hughes believed that music was the greatest of all the art forms and that through it, African Americans could share their culture, hopes, and dreams with North America and the world.
Hughes wanted his music to be accessible to everyone and not just confined to the small circles of the educated black elite that attended his evening performances. He wrote arrangements and revised his compositions, which could then be printed in music books and performed by the church choirs and marching bands in celebration, at political rallies, and in clubs all over the U.S.
He also aimed to choreograph his works to emphasize the physicality of the music, thus inspiring a more interactive experience for his audience. After performing in nightclubs during the early part of the 20th century, Hughes was reputed for his entertaining work, which played a crucial part in bringing jazz and blues onto the stage.
African-American Celebrations
Langston Hughes was a passionate supporter of African-American celebrations and sought to bring pride and joy to the African-American experience. He worked to use his writing and art as a way to connect with his audience, provide support, and encourage them to join in the movement.
In 1926, Hughes founded “The Weary Blues,” an artist collective that celebrated African-American voices through poetry and music. Though its membership was frequently in flux, its members sought to bring awareness to the struggles of African-Americans, create a sense of solidarity, and create a space for the true African-American voice to be heard. The group was welcomed in many different venues, from small coffeehouses to larger concert halls, in the northeastern United States.
In addition to writing his own works, Hughes frequently used the stage as a platform to organize protests, promote organizations, and speak out against injustices in African-American communities. He used his work as a way to bring attention to the causes and issues of African-Americans, in an effort to bring about social change. Through his work and performances, Hughes was able to unify people and move them to action.
He was also a proponent for the celebration of African-American music, literature, and culture. Hughes travelled extensively, visiting black communities throughout the United States and sharing his works in the hopes of inspiring people to come together and celebrate the best of their culture.
In addition to this, Hughes was also the president of the NAACP in Harlem. Along with other civil rights leaders, he worked tirelessly to bring about racial equality and justice for African-Americans. He was a major supporter for integrating schools, advocating for fair laws and access to better jobs, and using the judicial system to protect the rights of African-Americans.
A Lasting Legacy
Langston Hughes had a lasting impact on African-American literature and social justice in the twentieth century. His works are widely studied and celebrated and his legacy serves as an inspiration to generations of African-American writers who seek to continue his legacy.
His influence can be felt on literature, music, and art. Hughes’ works continue to be celebrated and referenced in contemporary works. His works are an integral part of the study of literature and are held up as examples of how to use language to accurately and poetically convey the African-American experience.
Hughes also made a lasting impact in terms of social justice. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights, desegregation, and equality and his works remain a powerful source of inspiration for activists today. He is remembered for his messages of hope and resilience, for his constant fight for justice and inclusion, and for having the courage to speak truth to power. His legacy is the proof that even a single person can have an immense impact on the world.
Controversy and Criticism
Though Langston Hughes is often celebrated for his work, he was also subject to controversy and criticism. Though praised by many as a powerful voice, many in the Harlem community also thought that he appealed too strongly to non-black audiences and did not portray the true African-American experiences accurately.
Many of Hughes’s works have been critiqued for their depiction of African-American sexual identity and gender disparities, as well as his alleged silence on issues of systemic racism. His works have been praised for addressing the history of African-Americans in the United States, but many of his works were also seen as not authentic or valid enough for certain progressive black writers.
Despite this criticism, it is important to note that Hughes’s works reflect a valid perspective on the African-American experience. Hughes is considered to be one of the most influential and revered African-American writers of the twentieth century and his lasting legacy serves as a testament to his impact and importance.
Influence on Future Generations
Today, Langston Hughes’s influence can still be seen in many facets of literature, music, and art. His works are cited frequently in literature, music and film, demonstrating their staying power in the public consciousness. Hughes’s influence can also be seen in the works of younger African-American artists who look to him as an example of resilience and strength.
Hughes also had an impact on the civil rights movement, serving as an inspiration to activists both then and now. His works are imbued with messages of hope and strength and act as a reminder of the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Hughes stands as an example of how the power of words can be used to bring about social change.
In the end, it is clear that Hughes’s legacy will live on for generations to come. His works serve as an inspiration for countless others and a reminder of the power of words and the importance of perseverance.
