Langston Hughes is one of the most respected figures in American literature and was one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a celebrated African-American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer, and activist. He is best known for his writings of poetry and plays that often expressed the hardships and struggles of the African-American community.
Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902 and was deeply inspired by the works of the poet Langston Hughes. He attended elementary school in Cleveland Ohio, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1929. After college Hughes moved to Harlem New York, immersing himself in the artistic culture of the time. His work at that time focused mostly on poetry and plays, often examining the African-American story, cultural identity, and struggles in a poetic form. He was especially known for his renowned poetry collections that included Montage of a Dream Deferred and The Weary Blues.
During his career Hughes also wrote a variety of stories and essays about racial inequality which served to spread awareness to a larger audience. One example of his work is his poem “I Too Sing America”, which he wrote in response to the racism of the 1920s. He openly challenged the country and its government by implying that despite all its discrimination the African-American community was just as vital and influential to the nation as anyone else.
In addition to his poetry and writing, Hughes was an active civil rights activist throughout his life, working for causes such as the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the Civil Rights Movement. His commitment to civil rights was so immense that he was often labeled as a “trouble maker” by the US government. He was a strong proponent of equal rights and non-violence, often tried to use his poetry and drawings to help further advocate for the African-American cause.
Langston Hughes is remembered today as a poet, activist, and one of the great voices of the Harlem Renaissance. His work helped to bring attention to the cause of racial equality and spread a message of hope, strength, and solidarity. He was an inspiration for many African-Americans during the time, and his influence continues to be felt in the works of today’s artists.
Legacy
The legacy of Langston Hughes lives on in the works of contemporary African-American poets. His works are widely studied in schools and universities, and he has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His influence on literature can be seen in the works of writers such as Toni Morrison, Gloria Naylor, and Maya Angelou, who have all been heavily influenced by his work. His writings are an important reminder of the struggles and hardships faced by the African-American community.
Influence of Art
Hughes impact on the visual arts is often overlooked as his poetic works are primarily discussed. His drawings in collaboration with the Lawrence Reid-Merritt’s 1937 edition of the Negro in Art exhibition catalogue were the first to examine the contributions of African-American artists. He also introduced them to the limelight by featuring them in his television program “The Langston Hughes Program”. This was the first media of this kind to grant African-Americans an outlet to share their talents with the world. Through these programs, Hughes provided a platform for African-American artists to be recognized and appreciated.
Further Education
In addition to his written works, Hughes also founded an educational center and summer camps in order to provide African-American youth with an opportunity to study the arts and literature. He wanted to provide these resources to the community and help to preserve the culture and history of African-American life. The Langston Hughes Center of Education is still in existence today and provides support to children and young people of color to access educational opportunities and build a better future.
Later Works
In his later years, Hughes wrote more about his personal life, his relationship with his family, and his friendship with novelist Zora Neale Hurston. He also wrote about his travels and experiences of living abroad in countries such as Cuba, Mexico, and the Soviet Union. Later on in life, he was awarded many honors such as an honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford and election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Activism
Hughes was also a champion of civil rights in America and was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. He actively protested and fought against racial injustice and inequality. He helped to create a national dance troupe called the “Langston Hughes Negro Unit” which aimed to bring awareness to the cause through its performances. Throughout his life, Hughes was committed to supporting African-Americans and used his art, poetry, and writing to fight for their equal rights.
Legacy in Modern Culture
The legacy of Langston Hughes continues to this day, even though he died in 1967. His works are often cited in speeches and his influence is evident in modern literature, music, and art. His writings have inspired generations of African-American artists and thinkers and are an important reminder of the struggles that the African-American community has faced. As one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes will be remembered as a powerful and influential figure in American literature.
