Langston Hughes and His Impact On The World
One of the most influential 20th-century American authors, Langston Hughes was a crucial part of the Harlem Renaissance era. His inspiration for writing stemmed from the struggles he faced due to racism, economic hardship and limited opportunities at the time. He wrote poetry, novels, short stories and plays that told stories of African-American life, experiences and culture. Through this, Hughes’s poetry speaks to readers of any social background, gender and race. His writings embraced a wide variety of topics; poverty, racism, oppression, liberation and love are just some of the subjects that are highlighted in his work. Even today, with the resurgence of protests against oppressive systems, critics have begun to appreciate Langston Hughes’s legacy in contemporary social movements and uprisings.
Despite beginning his writing career in the 1920s, Langston Hughes’s works still remain as vibrant and moving works of art today, decades later. He often chose to write in his own distinct speech, called ‘Jazz Poetry’, a style of writing which integrated Jazz into the structure of his poetry. Jazz Poetry was essentially an expression of Blues-influenced jazz music, reconciled into Hughes’s art. As one of the most prominent writers of the Harlem Renaissance, the impact of Hughes’s art was vast- rippling throughout not just the 20th century but up until modern day.
For example, during the social turmoil and Black Power movements of the mid-20th century, artists and writers started to tap into the African-American folk music and culture codified by Hughes. Influential figures such as Nina Simone, James Baldwin, Erykah Badu, Gil Scott-Heron and Sue Monk Kidd, to name a few, have frequently credited and quoted the words of Hughes as both an influence and inspiration.
It is not only in popular culture that the consequences of Langston Hughes’s influence extend, but also in education. Because of his value as a key figure in Black American literature, high school English students all over the United States are required to read his works, allowing them to become exposed to his music and his story. His writings also often appear in high school poetry and drama classes, enlivening students, who then build upon narrative poetry, performance poetry and other genres of poetry into their own works.
Langston Hughes also left behind a legacy of topics and ideas that, though not necessarily new, certainly were heavily nuanced and often controversial during the years of his works. In Hughes’s works, literature dealing with controversial topics such as interracial, multicultural and queer relations are brought to life, touching hearts and minds far away from his own lifetime. As we reflect upon the lessons and writings of Langston Hughes, his lasting influence and impact shines brighter.
The Voice Of A People
Apart from being an author, Hughes was also a political activist, who fighted for the rights of all marginalized people. He despised the Jim Crow laws, which long oppressed African Americans, and he stressed the need for a voice of the people that challenged these oppressive systems. Not only did his writings address the discrimination African-Americans suffered in the past, it also highlighted the problems that were still present even after the end of the civil rights era.
By shedding light on the deep-rooted issues of inequality and injustice, Langston Hughes’s writings served as an inspiration for people to speak out before they stagnate into resentment and hatred. His willingness to express his struggles, combined with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, are the hallmarks of his legacy. By drawing attention to the daily injustices of racism and oppression, Langston Hughes pressed onward, using powerful words to poke holes into a system that was built to oppress minority groups. His use of words has had an immense effect on the world, his words and messages resonating in the souls of many, including those of the future generations.
The Impact On Contemporaries
Apart from activism, Langston Hughes was also a leader of the Harlem Renaissance era, a movement of literature, music, and art which was revolutionary for its day. He was one of the few black writers of the time, and his words opened the way for other authors, from various backgrounds and perspectives. Furthermore, he provided the language for the civil rights movement that was to follow. The civil rights movement of the sixties was the largest since the abolishment of slavery, and the ideas behind it were cemented firmly in the works of Langston Hughes.
Hughes’ writings also were a source of inspiration for civil rights activists. His most famous poem “A Dream Deferred”, directly reflected the aspirations and hopes of African-Americans at the time, and it was oft-quoted by figures such as Reverend King, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks. Through his work, Hughes was able to make art out of life’s struggles, and encouraged his readers and listeners to fight for the dignity of the oppressed. Many of his works, despite being written decades ago, still remain relevant in today’s society. Brooklyn College English Professor Richard F. Watson commented on the matter with, “Langston Hughes is as fresh and relevant today as he was when he wrote during the Harlem Renaissance.”
A Resurgence Of Hughes’s Legacy
Today, Hughes’s works can be found from the depths of our libraries to the heights of our political discourse, where many compare his poems to the renewing civil rights movements of today. This is demonstrated in the 2014 Ferguson protests of 2014, which saw activists in St. Louis citing Hughes’s poem, “Let America Be America Again”, out for a full three days to protest police brutality, racism and oppression. The poem is one of Hughes’s most famous works, addressing the conflict between the idealized version of America with the realities of Jim Crow oppression.
The strength of Hughes’ legacy is powerfully persistent, remaining true today almost a century later. His words echo with sadness and sangfroid through America’s complicated political and racial history, illuminating their ways of understanding and properly contextualizing life’s struggles, while at the same time, continuing to inspire future generations.
The Unknown Effects Of Hughes’ Legacy
Due to the limited amount of information regarding Hughes’s life and works, little is known about his private life and journalistic writings. His diaries and personal letters were bequeathed to Yale University shortly before his death, offering a glimpse into the thoughts of a man and his works during his lifetime. Through his diaries, readers were able to access information about Hughes’s personal beliefs, thoughts and feelings, such as his thoughts and views on the civil rights movement and his involvement in politics.
Aside from the few resources regarding Hughes’s life and works that have been discovered over the years, there are still many unknown facets of his life that are yet to be unearthed. Intriguingly, his diaries are also believed to contain works of literature that have never been seen before, offering a chance to delve deeper into Langston Hughes’s writings, and gaining a clearer understanding of the events and influences which shaped them and him.
The Marks Left Behind
Through his powerful writings, Langston Hughes left behind a legacy that resonates still today. His poem, “Dream Deferred” is oft-quoted by civil rights activists and his Jazz Poetry remains relevant and inspiring. As an activist, he dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the oppressed, making him a symbol of resistance, solidarity and anti-oppression.
Ultimately, it is his commitment to justice and equality that have enabled his words to transcend the time and reach audiences far and wide. His works not only gave African-Americans solace and understanding, but also provided encouragement and motivation to fight oppression wherever it exists. Therefore, as we reflect upon the impact of Langston Hughes on the world, we should remain mindful, carrying on the flame of justice and solidarity in the ways of Hughes.
International Relevance
Despite Langston Hughes being an American poet, his works have resonated with those who are facing unequal systems no matter their location or nationality. His words of defiance against white supremacy worldwide can be found as far as South Africa, Africa, and in the United Kingdom. In Africa, many African American authors made pilgrimages to the continent to study the folklore, language and culture that influenced Hughes’s works. Through the formation of the Pan-African movement, the writings of Langston Hughes were able to transcend time, even allowing the African diaspora to connect with the continent they fled from years ago.
In France, Langston Hughes’s works found a particularly strong following, where they were seen as a great influence in the works of writers such as James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and Richard Wright, amongst countless others. In Europe, Hughes’s works inspired a generation of writers, particularly those with ties to the African diaspora. His works intersected with the New Negro poetry movement, which saw a thousand black authors flooding the continent with their protesting lyrics, references to Black culture, and old spirituals.
Furthermore, the legacy of Langston Hughes can be found in the Caribbean, most notably in Jamaica, where his works gave devotion to the island nation’s struggles against colonialism and neo-colonialism. His works appeared in the island’s popular magazines of the time and even in their school curriculums, which helped to introduce an understanding of the Black American experience to Jamaicans, solidifying a connection between the two cultures.
The Works That Create Change
In spite of Hughes’s writings being written almost a century ago, his words are still relevant for many today. His works not only shine a light on the reality of oppression and racism, but also capture the need for a voice that challenges those in authority, for those resisting injustice and for social change.
In addition, his works showcase the necessity for unity and solidarity in the face of oppression. He wrote from a place of resilience, even in moments of failure, his words were a source of strength. As such, it is understandable why Langston Hughes’s works are still as important now as they were when they were written.
The words of Langston Hughes have created a platform of justice and equality that have transcended time, inspiring generations of writers and activists. As we reflect upon his life and his works, his legacy and values, Hughes’s words ring in all of our minds. Solidarity, justice and resilience- the three sides of a triangle, which Langston Hughes carries on, through time and space, right into the present.
