Langston Hughes is widely recognized and celebrated as one of the most prolific and influential African-American authors of the 20th century. His work spans several genres and styles, and he is best remembered for his poetry, novels and books of essays. He was also an early advocate for the civil rights movement, and his work often addressed issues of race and social justice. Here are some facts about Langston Hughes that highlight his impressive contributions to literature and civil rights.
Langston Hughes attended over a dozen different schools throughout his childhood, as his family relocated multiple times. Despite this, he was a voracious reader from a very young age. In 1921, he graduated from high school after only two years, and the same year, he was offered a scholarship to attend Columbia University. Instead, he decided to travel to Africa, in pursuit of his lifelong dream of learning about the place of his ancestors.
In the mid 1920s, Langston Hughes moved to New York City, where he became part of the Harlem Renaissance. This was a unique and distinct period of cultural, social and artistic expression by African-Americans. During this time, Hughes also released his first collection of poems, which later become known as The Weary Blues. This collection contained many of his most famous works, such as The Negro Speaks of Rivers, Harlem, and Dream Variations.
Throughout his career, Langston Hughes wrote over 20 books of poetry, five plays, nine novels, two autobiographies, and numerous articles, stories and essays. His work was both critically acclaimed and widely appreciated by contemporary readers. Many of his works were inspired by what he called the “blues aesthetic”, a combination of both pain and joy. He also wrote frequently about the African diaspora and its contributions to popular culture, particularly jazz and blues music.
As a civil rights activist, Langston Hughes used his works to challenge systemic racism and the inequalities African-Americans faced in America. For example, in his essay “The Ways of White Folks”, Hughes highlighted the double standards that African-Americans experienced in regards to education, housing, and employment. He was also an advocate for Pan-Africanism, and during the 1940s, he became an active member of the Civil Rights Congress.
Langston Hughes worked as a columnist for a number of newspapers and magazines in the 1950s, and he continued to write prolifically until his death in 1967. After his passing, his works became even more widely read and appreciated. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important African-American writers of all time.
The Literary Influence of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an immense influence on African-American literature, and his work has been cited by countless authors since his passing. His works have been adapted into operas, plays, and other forms of art, and his poetry has been set to music and performed by well-known artists. One particular poem, Dream Deferred, has become a central work for those advocating racial justice.
The literary style of Hughes was also hugely influential. His combination of blues, jazz, and funk within his writing was unique and innovative. His choice of words and his use of vivid imagery were also remarkable. Additionally, Hughes made sure to include pieces of African folklore and history in his works, in order to give a strong sense of identity to African-American readers.
Finally, the themes of Hughes’ writings often addressed the struggles faced by African-Americans. Many of his works explored topics such as racism, poverty, and segregation. He often wrote explicitly about his own experiences, making his work extremely personal, yet also universal to many people around the world.
Honors and Awards
In his lifetime, Langston Hughes was awarded numerous honors and awards, in recognition of his contributions to literature and civil rights. In 1954, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship, and in 1985, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Additionally, he was posthumously awarded the nations highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 1996.
In 1961, the Langston Hughes Library was opened in Ohio, and in 1991, the first Langston Hughes Festival was held in Manchester, England. Today, there are a vast number of events, scholarships, and awards named after Hughes, all in recognition of his immense cultural and creative impact.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
Today, Langston Hughes’ works continue to captivate and inspire readers from around the world. His poetry, short stories, and plays are still widely read and discussed, and he has been cited as an influence by countless authors, poets, and playwrights. His work has had a lasting impact, and for many readers, his character and themes remain as relevant today as ever.
Langston Hughes’s legacy is not only seen in the pages of books and magazines, however. He was an advocate for civil rights and actively fought for the rights of African-Americans throughout his life. Since his passing, his legacy has continued to inspire people to speak out and push for social change. As a result, his works and his actions remain a source of inspiration and strength for many today.
Documentaries and Educational Materials
Today, Langston Hughes is featured in many documentaries, biographies, and educational materials. His works are frequently read in classrooms across the country, and there are many books and websites dedicated to his life and legacy. These materials serve to keep the legacy of Hughes alive and continue to tell his story to those who may not have been exposed to it before.
In addition, Langston Hughes is celebrated every year on the Holiday of Langston Hughes, on February 1st. This is a day declared by the state of Florida in 2002 in recognition of his immense contributions to literature, culture, and civil rights. Every year, on this day, people from around the world come together to celebrate the life and works of Langston Hughes.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes was one of the most influential African-American authors of the twentieth century. His works were both critically acclaimed and hugely popular, and he was an important force in the civil rights movement. His works have endured the test of time, and to this day, he remains an inspiration to many people. Through his works and his actions, he has left an impressive legacy that will continue to be celebrated in years to come.
