Langston Hughes was one of the most influential African-American writers to emerge during the Harlem Renaissance. His powerful works, which often tackled themes of race, gender, and oppression, still resonate with readers today. What is less known is that Hughes was also a fearless advocate for civil rights, taking risks no one else would.
When Langston Hughes first arrived in Harlem in 1924, the neighborhood was at the epicenter of a blossoming African-American culture in New York City. Creativity filled the air, and Hughes started to make a name for himself as a poet, a playwright, and a journalist. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, inspiring a generation of African-Americans with his powerful works. But Hughes was no wallflower — he was a true activist, and was willing to take risks to fight for social justice.
In 1930, when most of the country was still segregated, Hughes wrote a play called “Mulatto” about an African-American man battling with issues of racism. The story was daring for its time, and the idea of having an all-black cast performing on Broadway was unthinkable. Despite the danger, Hughes took on the challenge and the play opened to packed audiences, becoming one of the biggest successes of its time.
It wasn’t just the arts that Hughes supported — he also actively participated in civil rights movements, doing his part to bridge understanding between different races. In 1931, he traveled to the Soviet Union as part of a group of African-American intellectuals trying to connect with Soviet citizens. Hughes also organized campaigns to help African-American students in the South get access to better education. He toured the country, giving speeches and educating people on the importance of civil rights.
By the 1940s, Hughes had become an international figure, speaking out against racism and injustice in both the US and other countries. He was a vocal supporter of the NAACP and the Southern Negro Youth Congress, and an honorary chairman of the California-based Communities United Against Discrimination. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Committee for the Negro in the Arts, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to promoting African-American artists.
Hughes’ willingness to stand up against racism and injustice was admirable, and left a lasting legacy. His stories, poetry, and plays gave voice to millions of African-Americans, inspiring them with his courage to fight for social justice. Though Hughes was writing more than 80 years ago, his words still ring true today.
Language
Hughes also used language as a tool of activism. He was a master of free verse, or verses with no exact meter, which he believed allowed people to express themselves more freely and understand one another’s experiences. His award-winning poem “Dream Boogie,” written in 1945, celebrates the power of language and its ability to help unite people of different cultures. Here, Hughes pays tribute to a world in which “all is romp and play,” and all languages, cultures, and colors are equally valued.
At a time when African-Americans were fighting racial discrimination, Hughes spoke out against using language to further degrade and stereotype one another. In his essay “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain,” published in The Amsterdam News in 1926, he wrote, “We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame.” Hughes stood firm to his beliefs even in the face of racial oppression.
In addition to his own writing, Hughes also served as an editor for The New Negro magazine, a publication dedicated to promoting African-American art, literature, and culture. He believed in writing for the people, and did his best to give both established and emerging authors an equal platform to express themselves and share their stories.
Activism
Outside of writing, Hughes was an avid advocate for civil rights. In 1945, he joined with Paul Robeson and other African-American celebrities to found the Committee for Negro Freedom of Expression, an organization committed to fighting racism and prejudice in the media. Hughes also lent his support to several youth groups, including the Association of African and African-American Youth, which provided a safe space for young people to come together and express their ideas.
Hughes believed in the power of demonstrations and spoke out about their importance. In 1948, he wrote an essay for the Student Voice magazine titled “Follow theAction,” saying “Only by attending a mass demonstration, a march, a picket line, a protest meeting, can one come to an understanding of what the action is all about.” He was an active supporter of the boycott of segregated stores in Washington, DC, in 1949, taking part in the peaceful sit-ins that were held outside the businesses.
Langston Hughes was a leader in the civil rights movement, putting his money and fame where his mouth was. He was unafraid to speak out about injustice, and encouraged others to do the same. That same spirit is seen in photographs of Hughes joining protests, marching through the streets, and raising his fists in defiance of the status quo. And his works — from memory-filled poetry to powerful plays — are testament to the power of his unwavering activism.
Social Consciousness
Hughes was keenly aware of the social issues of his day, and used his writing to highlight injustice and inequality. In his seminal work Not Without Laughter, Hughes tackles the taboo of interracial relationships, a daring move for the time. He was also one of the first writers to tackle lynching as a subject, writing several short stories and even an opera about the horror endured by its victims.
Hughes was a gifted storyteller and his works have shed light on the African-American experience. He was particularly skilled in capturing the beauty and resilience of African-American families, as seen in hisMoving On: The Story of Black Life, which chronicles the hopes and dreams of a black family in the mid-20th century.
Through his writing, Hughes helped to open up a dialogue and explore difficult topics, such as racism and inequality. He also encouraged people to be unafraid to pursue their dreams, no matter how risky these may seem. Despite the dangers of speaking out for civil rights, Hughes was never deterred, and ultimately changed the course of American history.
Civil Rights Leadership
Hughes was a leader in the civil rights movement, and acted as a mentor to many of its prominent figures. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., often lending his support to the cause. He also called out prominent figures of the time, including J. Edgar Hoover, who he believed had a vested interest in keeping African-Americans marginalized.
Another of Hughes’ admirers was Malcolm X, who said Hughes was a major influence in his life. He admired Hughes’ work and courage, especially his willingness to speak out against social injustices. Malcolm X once said that Hughes contributed “more to our cause than any other Negro leader.”
Langston Hughes was an unwavering champion for civil rights and justice, using his influence and creativity to speak out against racism and inequality. His powerful words and ideas reminded us that we all have a responsibility to fight for what is right, no matter what the cost may be.
Legacy
Hughes’ legacy is lasting and his works continue to inspire future generations. He was a major influence on the beat poets of the 1950s, who embraced Hughes’ use of jazz-infused language and expression, and later on in the Civil Rights and Black Arts Movements, who drew from his activism. His works, from short stories and novels to plays and screenplays, are still widely read and studied.
Hughes’ example of standing up for what is right has been embraced by African-American leaders and activists throughout history, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Angela Davis, Fannie Lou Hamer, and countless others. Once a marginalized figure, Hughes is now seen as a pioneer in the struggle for justice, and his legacy remains. As Ruby Dee eloquently put it, “Langston Hughes gave us pride in ourselves. He put a song in our hearts, a sign of freedom as we trod through dark days.”
