Early Life and Education
Langston Hughes was born on February 1st 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. His mother was Carrie Langston and his father was James Nathaniel Hughes. His mother was a schoolteacher and his father was a lawyer but after they divorced his father moved to Mexico, leaving Langston with his grandmother. After studying at Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Hughes went on to attend Columbia University in New York City, graduating with a BA in English in 1929.
Langston’s mother was a major influence on him and she encouraged him to pursue his dreams. She even gave him poetry and books to read during his childhood. From a young age, the writings of African-American poets such as Paul Laurence Dunbar, Jean Toomer, and Carl Sandburg affected Hughes, who recognized the power of words. He also treasured the influence of traditional African-American oral storytelling.
His Life’s Work
Hughes is known as one of the most important figures of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of artistic and literary production during the 20s and 30s that centered around African-American culture. His writings primarily focused on race, racism, and African-American culture. He wrote several kinds of works such as plays, short stories, novels, and, most importantly, poetry. His poetry dealt with Harlem’s frustrated aspirations, discrimination, and injustices. He used rhythm and music, drawing from both jazz and blues, which aided him in gaining popularity.
The most prolific aspect of Hughes’ life and works was his strong belief in the importance of racial pride and unification. He was a proponent of the ‘New Negro Movement’ and was a pioneer in this direction. He also worked for the establishment of an African American theatre and often wrote about the beauty and pride of African American culture and the harsh realities of racism as well as the need for social change.
Major Works and Legacy
Hughes wrote a number of major works, including his best-known collections, ‘The Weary Blues’ and ‘Fine Clothes to the Jew’, both published in 1926. He wrote several other notable poetry books such as ‘Not Without Laughter’ (1930), ‘The Dream Keeper and Other Poems’ (1932), ‘The Ways of White Folks’ (1934), and ‘Montage of a Dream Deferred’ (1951). He also wrote novels such as ‘ Not Without Laughter’ (1930), ‘Shake Loose My Skin’ (1965), and ‘Tambourines to Glory’ (1958). In addition, he published plays, essays and short stories as well.
His writings have had a significant influence on multiple generations of African American authors. His work represents a distinct and powerful voice speaking to the African American experience and the struggles of life in the twentieth century. He was a passionate poet, dedicated to portraying the life of African Americans in a respectful and dignified manner, which empowered people to fight those injustices. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate us today.
His Final Years and Passing
In his later years, Langston suffered ill health, largely due to his frequent travels and lifestyle. On May 22nd 1967, Hughes died in New York City, of complications due to prostate cancer, at the age of 65. His funeral was well attended by friends, family and admirers. He was buried in the same cemetery his mother Carrie was buried in, in Topeka, Kansas. The grave was unmarked for a few years, until a headstone with an inscription from his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” was placed there.
Influence on Other Artists
Hughes has been the source of immense artistic inspiration for many other artists.
In an interview for BBC, the Grammy-winning musician David Diggs said that Hughes’ work was deeply influential to him, especially in his youth. “Just the idea of having a black poet whose work we read, who taught us about our history, who taught us about where we were going, those were all things that made me learn more and appreciate what he did,” he said.
A number of plays, ballets, and other works of art were created based on his writings, or paying homage to him, including works such as Countee Cullen’s lyrical drama Mulatto and the opera, Street Scene. He has inspired and influenced generations of writers, muscians, and creatives as well.
Awards and Honors
Langston Hughes was honored with numerous awards for his literary efforts. In 1926 he was awarded the first prize for his collection of poetry, ‘The Weary Blues’, by Opportunity magazine. Later, in 1945 he received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for outstanding achievement in the field of literature. In 1960, he received the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award from the Cleveland Foundation for his literary contributions. In addition, he received a number of honorary degrees and served as a leader in multiple organizations.
Posthumous Recognition
Since Hughes’ death, he has been recognized and celebrated by many. His work and legacy live on, still inspiring and empowering people today. He has been commemorated through multiple means. In his hometown, a sculpture of Hughes stands in the downtown area. Every year the Langston Hughes festival is celebrated in his honor in the city of Missouri. In 1985, the US Postal Service honored him on a stamp. His house in Harlem has since been designated a National Historic Landmark by the US Department of the Interior.
Popularity of His Work
Throughout the years, Hughes’ work has continued to gain recognition and be appreciated by people of all ages. His work has been used to educate children in schools, and his poetry and prose continues to be studied in classrooms around the world. In addition, performances, books, and a few films were created in honor of Hughes and his works.
Many of his classic works, such as The Weary Blues and Montage of a Dream Deferred, remain popular to this day, and were even incorporated into multiple Broadway musicals and popular songs. His work has been adapted in various languages and has been translated into multiple different languages.
Study of His Work
In recent years, Hughes’ works have been the subject of numerous studies, both from scholars academic studies and casual readers. His works have been featured prominently in both fiction and non-fiction books, and have been the subject of many dissertations, theses and lectures. Scholars continue to study his work and his influence on American culture.
In addition, universities throughout the US have named state endowed professorships after him. The Langston Hughes Visiting Professorship, an annual visiting professorship at Harvard University, brings scholars to the Cambridge campus each year to discuss Langston Hughes’ seminal works and enduring legacy.
Popularity in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, Hughes is still celebrated and admired by many, due to his unique writing style, powerful messages, and his standing as a pioneer of the African American writing community. His works continue to be studied, performed, and appreciated. His writing style incorporates wit, sincerity, skillful use of words and vivid imagery, which combine to create a truly mesmerizing effect on readers.
Though he passed away more than half a century ago, his influence and significance can still be seen in today’s literature and culture, both in the African American community and beyond. Hughes’ works have helped shaped American literature for generations and will continue to do so for many more.
