Early Life and Career of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is known as one of the most influential African American writers of the 20th century. He was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902 and grew up in Lawrence, Kansas. His mother was of mixed African American and European American descent. His father, on the other hand, was a lawyer who was mainly African American. He was not able to provide a lot of support for his son, so Hughes’ mother took him and his younger brother to Mexico City, where they lived with her mother for several years.
It was during this time that Hughes gathered inspiration for much of his early writing. He subsequently enrolled in Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated in 1920. After that, he attended Columbia University, where he was exposed to some of the prominent New Negro and Harlem Renaissance thinkers of the day. He also began writing poems and short stories based on his experiences as a young African American. After two years, however, he dropped out of college and moved to Washington, D.C. and worked as a printer’s assistant, while still writing and submitting his poems to magazines.
In 1926, Hughes published his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, which solidified his reputation as a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His career as a writer blossomed, and he went on to produce a variety of works, including novels, plays, and essays. Throughout his lifetime, he wrote about a number of topics, including African American life, racial injustice, and other social issues.
Hughes’ Race and Black Identity
Though not all of Langston Hughes’ works explicitly address race, he was still an important figure in the African American literary tradition. He was an advocate for civil rights and often wrote about the realities of life as an African American. Hughes himself faced racial discrimination firsthand, as is seen in his autobiographical works, The Big Sea and I Wonder as I Wander.
In I Wonder as I Wander, Hughes wrote about traveling through the South and encountering racism, saying “Sometimes a Negro doesn’t dare to stay alone in certain towns and cities…” His writings highlighted the systemic injustices of a segregated society, and he was outspoken in his support of the struggle for racial equality. He even wrote a poem called “Note on Commercial Theatre” in which he declared: “Negroes—singers, dancers, actors—cannot get employment in any of the show spots of America.”
Furthermore, Hughes and other African American writers of the Harlem Renaissance period were committed to creating a space in the literary world for African American voices. Through his works, Hughes was also able to directly address racism and white privilege in the United States. He once wrote: “I know nothing whatever about the plight of the blacks in Africa, but I know something about the plight of the blacks in America.”
Advocacy for Black Causes
In addition to his literary works, Langston Hughes was also an activist and advocate for African American causes. He campaigned against racism in his writings and supported the integrationist policies of the NAACP. Additionally, in 1932, he collaborated with African American actor and singer Paul Robeson to write a play called “Don’t You Want to be Free?” which aimed to raise awareness about the struggles of African Americans.
In 1943, Hughes wrote his most popular work, “I, Too,” which heavily focused on the themes of oppression and identity. In it, he expresses the idea of racial unity, saying “I, too, am America”, inspiring readers to continue advocating for equal rights. He was also a lifelong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, attending marches and offering his artistic support to the cause.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
In light of his activism as well as his artistic work, Langston Hughes’ legacy as an essential figure in the African American literary canon is indisputable. He used his own life experiences to create works that explored the complexities of the African American identity and addressed the issues of racial injustice and inequality. He was a poet and playwright, but also a talented vocalist and performer. Most importantly, he was a forceful advocate for the black cause and a powerful voice in the African American literary tradition.
Influence of Langston Hughes
In many ways, Langston Hughes’ life and works paved the way for a new generation of African American writers and activists. His work inspired a wide range of writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners Alice Walker and Gwendolyn Brooks. He also influenced the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 70s, which was an artistic movement that sought to assert a distinct black identity and aesthetic. His writing explores complex issues of race and identity, and his works remain hugely important to this day.
Controversy on Langston Hughes’ Race
Throughout his life, Hughes faced questions about his racial identity, as he was of mixed race. Some critics argued that because of his mixed heritage, Hughes should not be celebrated as an African American writer. However, Hughes himself never hesitated to claim his African American identity. In a speech at the 1929 NAACP Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, Hughes said: “I am Negro—and beautiful.” Despite these debates, Hughes was an influential and celebrated African American writer and remains an important voice in the African American literary canon.
Response to Racism in Langston Hughes’ Writing
Though Langston Hughes faced racial discrimination in his life, he responded to racism differently in his writings. In his famous poem “Let America Be America Again”, he acknowledges the racism and oppression that African Americans faced, but also hopes for better days in the future. This poem is an example of Hughes’ ability to see beauty and opportunity, despite systemic racism.
Throughout his works, Hughes evokes a sense of hope for freedom and a better future for African Americans. His unique writing style is often thought to be emblematic of the Harlem Renaissance and is a powerful voice that speaks to the African American experience. He called for justice, equality, and an end to racism and oppression, while still managing to find beauty in the world.
Significance of Langston Hughes in Modern Society
The works and life of Langston Hughes are still influential today. His writings have been taught in schools and universities, and his works are widely read and discussed. He has been honored with numerous awards, and his works have been adapted for the stage, on television, and in film.
In addition, many organizations have been established in his name to perpetuate his legacy, including the Langston Hughes Society and the Langston Hughes Foundation. He is remembered as one of the most important writers of the Harlem Renaissance and a powerful advocate for African American equality and civil rights. Langston Hughes’ legacy as a major figure in the African American literary tradition remains, and he will be remembered for generations to come.
