Langston Hughes’ Life
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright and columnist who was considered by many to be a pioneer of the early twentieth-century artistic Harlem Renaissance. Hughes was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri and was raised in Lawrence, Kansas and Cleveland, Ohio where he graduated high school. Hughes’ full name was James Mercer Langston Hughes and his parents were James Nathaniel Hughes and Carolina Maria (Mason) Hughes.
Hughes’ mother had been a school teacher before her marriage and she wanted her son to be a teacher; he attended Columbia University but could not afford it, so he took odd jobs, held part-time positions, and tried his luck as a writer. Hughes’ initial creative direction came out of the blues and jazz music of the 1920s, which he was inspired by and wrote about in “The Weary Blues” (1926). His first collection of poetry was titled ‘The Weary Blues’ and was well received by critics. His work continued to gain recognition and he published seven volumes of poetry and four novels throughout his life.
Hughes views of race, justice, and life were strongly influenced by the death of his grandmother in 1909. His grandfather’s words at her funeral made such an impression on Hughes that he wrote about it in his autobiography, The Big Sea (1940). Hughes’ writing style was the result of his upbringing in the African-American culture, which he drew on heavily in his work, using stories and characters that reflected his experiences growing up black in the United States.
His focus on black life opened up a completely new avenue of exploration in literature: African-American literature. Hughes was a champion of civil rights and justice and his writing became a testaments of those beliefs. He used his pen to encourage activism, writing that the goal of race should not be to simply survive, but to strive.
In the 1940s he was an important figure in the New Negro Movement, which advocated for political and economic power, cultural equity, and social justice for African-Americans. In 1947, he took part in the first Freedom Ride from Washington, D.C., to various cities in the South to protest “Jim Crow” laws mandating segregation on public buses. Additionally, Hughes wrote political comedy about race, edited anthologies, lectured, wrote short stories, wrote for radio and the theatre, and was a contestant for the Pulitzer Prize.
Langston Hughes was able to capture the plight of African Americans in his work, painting a vivid portrait of the life of African Americans at the time through his poetic voice. By embracing an authentic African American voice and rejecting the dominant white voice, Hughes established himself as a prominent figure in literature, conveying to his audience the inner strength and courage of his people in the face of systemic injustice.
The Meaning Behind Langston’s Name
The name Langston is believed to have originated in England, meaning “long stone farm”, although the exact origin is uncertain. It has become a common name in the African American community, often seen as a way to honor African American civil rights leader Langston Hughes. The name “Hughes” is an ancient Irish ancestry and is of great significance as both Langston Hughes’ parents had Irish roots.
It is said that Langston Hughes was named after his great-grandfather on his mother’s side, Noble Leroy Langston. The middle name “Mercer” is believed to have come from his great-great-grandfather on his mother’s side, Charles Mercer. His surname “Hughes” was adopted from his father, who changed his name from a German name Rosenthal.
Within Langston Hughes’ family background many of his relatives were influential people of their times, and some even held positions in government. His great-grandfather Noble Langston was a successful planter and physician in South Carolina, and his great-uncle William Langston was a U.S. Senator from Mississippi. Meanwhile, his great-great-grandfather Charles Mercer was an avid supporter of the American War of Independence.
The name Langston Hughes carries the distinguished legacy of his family, but more importantly the legacy of his struggle and dedication to the African-American community. He was an influential figure in the early twentieth century, redefining the landscape of African-American literature and paving the way for generations of African-American writers.
Langston Hughes’ Legacy Today
Langston Hughes is remembered as a celebrated novelist, poet, playwright and social activist, who was an inspiration to many people during the African-American Civil Rights Movement. His work still resonates with audiences today, as a symbol of hope and resilience for the African-American community.
His poem “Let America Be America Again” has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom and equality, and his works have inspired artists and activists alike in their fight for justice. He is an iconic figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a role model for generations of African-American writers. His name is even memorialized by numerous educational institutions.
In addition to his public legacy, Hughes’ work continues to be studied at universities and taught in classrooms. He is widely read and increasingly becoming a canonical figure of African-American literature. Hughes was a true pioneer of African-American literature, and his body of work has rightfully earned its place in history.
Langston Hughes’ Writings
Langston Hughes’ writings portray the true spirit of the African-American culture, and they are an expression of his ongoing quest for civil rights and justice. He wrote of black joy and the struggles of African-American life, poignantly capturing the beauty and power of the African-American experience.
He wrote poetry that was often lyrical and rhythmic, using jazz and blues tones, as well as more traditional lyrical forms. Hughes’ writings were often marked by intense emotion and longing, combined with his powerful use of metaphors. Hughes wrote of dreams and hope, of exile and despair, of faith and courage in the face of injustice.
In his famous poem “Dream Deferred”, Hughes captures the essence of the struggle for civil rights: If your dreams are denied, he writes, what will happen? “Does it dry up/like a raisin in the sun/…Or does it explode?” His writing captures the hopes, dreams, and sorrows of African-Americans in the twentieth century.
Through his writing, Hughes was able to provide a voice to the voiceless, to those without the power to speak. He spoke of dreams denied and the struggles of African-Americans, and in doing so, he created a powerful connection between those in the present and those in the past.
The Impact of Langston Hughes’ Writings
Langston Hughes’ writings had a profound and lasting impact on African-American literature and culture. His works are widely read and influential, and his works are still resonant today. His work provides a powerful commentary on the black experience, and his writing has been used by civil rights activists to champion the cause of justice.
Hughes’ works are a testament to the strength and beauty of the African-American culture, and their legacy is immortalized in our memories and in our hearts. His writing provided a window for us to better understand the African-American struggle, and his words will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright and civil rights activist who was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. His full name was James Mercer Langston Hughes, and his parents were James Nathaniel Hughes and Carolina Maria (Mason) Hughes. Hughes’ work is widely read and studied today, and his writings are a powerful testament to the African-American experience. His work has inspired generations of artists and activists, and his legacy will live on in our hearts and our memories.
