Overview of Langston Hughes’ Awards
Langston Hughes was an African American poet, novelist, lyricist, playwright, and activist whose work explored themes of racial oppression, jazz and blues culture, and everyday life.
During his prolific career, Hughes won numerous awards for his literary achievements and was recognized for his dedication to the civil rights movement. His works continue to be highly acclaimed and recognized in modern poetry and literature.
In addition to his six honorary degrees, Hughes won a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Rosenwald Fellowship, a Der Rosenkavalier Award, an Elks National Foundation Circumstance Award, and a Place award from Yale University.
In 1993, Hughes was posthumously inducted into the Harlem Writers Guild’s Hall of Fame, and his achievements were honored by the United States Postal Service when they issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honor.
Hughes’ Notable Awards and Recognition
In 1940, Hughes was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship, which is a highly prestigious award for writers and other artists. With this fellowship, he was able to fund his first novel, Not Without Laughter.
The Rosenwald Fellowship was created in 1934 in response to the need of African American students and artists who could not get access to higher education or materials to work on. Hughes won this prestigious award in 1941, allowing him to write in an undisturbed environment, among other benefits.
In 1958, for his contribution to American drama, Hughes was awarded the Der Rosenkavalier Award, an international prize for distinguished and influential theatre.
In 1960, the Elks National Foundation Circumstance Award was presented to Hughes for his literary achievements. The award recognized his works in African American literature, describing him as a “cultural descendant of Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, and Mark Twain.”
In 1963, Yale University bestowed upon Hughes the Place award, an award given to individuals who made significant contributions to the humanities.
The Harlem Writers Guild
In 1965, Langston Hughes co-founded, along with seven other African American writers, the Harlem Writers Guild which works to develop writing and literary skills for African American writers. Hughes was president of the guild until 1967, when he died.
In 1993, the guild started a Hall of Fame to recognize the contributions of the members of the guild, including Langston Hughes. The same year, President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded Hughes the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for distinguished achievement in the field of literature.
Honoring Langston Hughes Through Art
In 1998, the United States Postal Service issued a Langston Hughes stamp in his honor, which was designed by African American artist, Jacob Lawrence. The stamp was unveiled and first used on Earth Day 1998 at the Great Hall of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which was established by Langston Hughes and fellow members of the Harlem Writers Guild in 1925.
Every month since, the Schomburg Center has been using the Langston Hughes stamp as a reminder of his commitment to civil rights and the black struggle. Numerous statues, murals, parks, and schools have been named after Hughes, on the lower East Side of New York City, in Philadelphia, and in other towns in the United States.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes’ legacy lives on through his numerous awards, honorary degrees, and recognitions. He is remembered for his activism in the civil rights movement and for his contributions to American literature. His words continue to captivate and inspire people of all ages and races, and he has secured a prestigious place in American history.
His works such as Not Without Laughter, The Weary Blues, and I Too Sing America have been studied in classes around the world and continue to be a source of inspiration to upcoming generations of writers.
Conclusion of Hughes’ Works Today
Hughes’ works are still celebrated today in multiple forms and ways. Music, art shows, theater performances, and many other exhibitions showcase excerpts from his works. In addition, several Hughes’ landmarks, such as the Langston Hughes House in Harlem, are national historic sites are major tourist attractions.
And in 2021, a feature film based on Hughes’ works is in production and scheduled to be released in theaters. Entitled Two Degrees, the film is directed by Barry Jenkins and produced by Denzel Washington. People eagerly await the release of this biopic to get a closer glimpse into the life of this remarkable writer and civil rights advocate.
Continuing Impact of Langston Hughes’ Life and Work
Langston Hughes’ life and work continue to remain incredibly influential in the present day. He was a trailblazer in the fight against racism and bigotry, while simultaneously contributing to the poetic canon in a style all his own. His words inspired generations of black writers who see him as a literary and cultural icon.
He inspired generations of civil rights activists and continues to be remembered for his commitment to justice for all oppressed people. His works, such as The Weary Blues and I Too Sing America, are considered national treasures and are revisited today, highlighting his continuing impact in modern society.
Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance
During the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ’30s, Langston Hughes was a celebrated leader and figurehead. He wrote works that reflected the black experience, celebrating African American culture and identity. His works were widely read, especially during this period.
He was also an active political activist, promoting civil rights issues and speaking out against racism. His works were also closely studied by historians, scholars, and literary theorists, and he was widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of this period.
The Harlem Writers Guild and Hughes’ Legacy
The Harlem Writers Guild, which was co-founded by Langston Hughes in 1965, is still an active organization today, although many of its original members have since passed away. The legacy of the Harlem Writers Guild and Hughes continues to be felt in the writing world, as the organization still promotes African American writers and encourages them to develop their writing and literary skills.
The guild also works to promote Hughes’ works and the Harlem Renaissance, particularly in the education system. The guild works with teachers to design curricula around the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, and other writers from the time period.
Teaching the Legacy of Langston Hughes
The legacy of Langston Hughes continues to be taught in classrooms today. His works are widely studied in colleges, universities, and other learning institutions, as well as in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools.
His influence continues to be felt in the literary world, as his works have inspired generations of African American writers and poets. Many of those writers have since become critically acclaimed and widely read, and the influence of the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes live on through their works.
Langston Hughes’ Awards and Recognitions Today
Today, Hughes’ work continues to be celebrated and honored. The Langston Hughes Center in Washington D.C., the Langston Hughes Medal, and the Langston Hughes Prize are just a few of the awards and recognitions dedicated to him.
In addition, his works have inspired musicals and plays, and his work is quoted in shows, movies, and advertisements. Hughes’ legacy lives on through his works, and he continues to be remembered for his activism in the civil rights movement and for his literary achievements.
