Introduction to Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was one of the most notable figures of the Harlem Renaissance and was a poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist. His works were packed with emotion and a deep understanding of the African American struggle. Langston Hughes was born in Missouri on February 1, 1902,to parents James and Carrie. His father was a leader in the African American community and was very academically and politically active. From his early years, Hughes was drawn to poetry and literature, reading and writing regularly throughout his childhood.
Education of Langston Hughes
In 1920, Langston Hughes attended Columbia University after having earned a long list of awards for his work related to literature. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1929. After graduating college, Langston continued traveling and exploring the world, immersing himself in African American arts, culture and literature. He continued writing poetry and novels throughout his life, as well as plays and short stories.
Works of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes’s works have been admired and praised by many. He was acknowledged for his keen insight into the African American experience, focusing on themes such as racism, segregation, black identity and struggle. His works, including the acclaimed 1939 novel Not Without Laughter, have gone on to influence the likes of Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and many more. Although he wrote on a wide range of themes, Hughes is perhaps most renowned for his poetry.
Accomplishments of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was awarded the Academy of American Poets fellowship, the Anisfield-Wolf Award, and the Carl Sandburg Award in 1952, 1953 and 1966 respectively. He even received an honorary doctorate in literature from Lincoln University. Despite the discrimination and prejudice that Langston and his family have faced in the past, his literary works remain a testament to his greatness. Through his writings, he was able to bring light to the struggles of African Americans in the United States, however subtle the messages may have been.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes left an impressionable legacy behind. His works continue to be read and studied, making him one of the most renowned writers of the Harlem Renaissance. He has won numerous awards, including the National Medal for Literature in 1976, for his impressive body of work. He was also inducted into the University of Missouri’s Hall of Famous Missourians in 2001. There are numerous streets and schools named after him and even statues erected. Hughes’ works serve to remind people, especially African Americans, of their powerful and unique history.
Impact of Langston Hughes on American Literature
Langston Hughes is an essential part of the American literary canon. His works remain relevant in contemporary American literature, seen in the works of Toni Morrison, Eddie S. Glaude Jr and many more. His influence paved the way for authors to have freedom to write about the African American experience. His works shine light on the things that many wanted to ignore or otherwise look away from. He remains one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, and his work will continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Influence of Langston Hughes on African American Culture
Langston Hughes was a pioneer in the exploration of African American culture and identity. His works often addressed the topics of oppression and discrimination, and served as an invitation of sorts into the African American experience. He also brought African American literature out of the shadows of mainstream literature and into the spotlight where it belongs. He gave people the courage to speak out against injustice, and his work served as a beacon of hope in desperate times.
Reception of Langston Hughes’s Works
Langston Hughes’s works have been well-received by both critics and the public alike. His prose and poetry were lauded for their insight and skillful descriptions. Of his many works, his most acclaimed were arguably The Dream Keeper, Not Without Laughter, and Montage of a Dream Deferred. These poems, novels, stories and essays moved people of all races and backgrounds, and has been cited as an important precursor to the civil rights movement.
Preservation of Langston Hughes’s works
In 1950, Langston Hughes established the Langston Hughes Archive at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In the present day, the Archive has grown to include over 10,000 items of material collected by Langston Hughes, including manuscripts, artwork, artifacts, letters and more. In recent years, the Archive has been digitized and is now available to the public in various forms. With the Archive, the public can now access an incredible amount of material related to Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance.
