Langston Hughes was an African American writer and playwright whose work profoundly influenced the Black experience in, and perception of, the 20th century. Hughes created a vivid landscape of African American life by incorporating poetic devices, symbolism, and charged vernaculars into his works. Born in 1902 in Missouri, Hughes moved to New York in 1921 to pursue dreams of becoming a renowned poet. His commitment to racial and social justice, together with his literary achievement, has made him one of the most celebrated of African American writers.
When young Langston Hughes moved to Harlem in 1923, he was determined to fully embrace the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance. Often described as the “Renascence of African American Expression”, the Harlem Renaissance marked a period of great prosperity and creativity for African Americans. During this time, Africans and African Americans focused on creating works of art and literature that celebrated their culture. Historically, Hughes sought to document the struggles of African Americans, including their political and social oppression, and he spoke continuously about the power of resistance.
Inspiring many, Hughes’s dream was to reclaim the unique spiritual traditions of black people and to represent these traditions in his writing. His work ultimately inspired an entire generation of African American writers. Hughes wrote of the despair and joy of being black in America, while overturning sterotypes and transforming the idea of blackness. He played a key role in redefining African American aesthetics, challenging presumptions about the shared struggles of African Americans.
Consider Hughes’s poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, in which he expresses the notion of a collective African American past by linking his life to the legacies of the ages. Hughes writes in this poem, “My soul has grown deep like the rivers.” He believed that one’s personal spiritual journey should be a reflection of the collective history of the African American people. Indeed, it is very likely that Hughes’s goal in life was to recognize and reflect not just the mythology of African Americans, but their diverse customs and beliefs.
In his play, “Mulebone”, Hughes captures the powerful traditions of African American life and art, conveying the value of storytelling and of music. For Hughes, the power of performance lies in how it transcends divisions, of race, class, and gender.
In 1935, Hughes wrote a poem called “Let America Be America Again,” which many consider to be his magnum opus. In this poem, Hughes speaks about the American Dream, which for many African Americans proved to be illusory: “Let America be America again,/The land that never has been yet—/And yet must be—the land where every man is free.” Here, Hughes emphasizes the struggle that African Americans faced in achieving their full potential in a still racist and oppressive society that denied them their rights.
Influence of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is widely regarded as a literary pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance, who laid the groundwork for subsequent African-American writers. His lyrical poetry and prose explored both the racism of the outside world and the vibrant complexity of black life, which helped to forever alter the scope of American literature.
Revered for his focus on the trials and tribulations of African Americans, Hughes’s writing has inspired generations to come and remain an integral part of our American literary and cultural consciousness. His works have been translated into multiple languages and published widely around the world.
Moreover, Hughes is widely credited for inspiring and advancing civil rights efforts, raising awareness about the lack of access African Americans had to basic human rights. His profound impact has been recognized by many, including US Vice President Joe Biden, who praised Hughes for “promoting our American values and encouraging us to work together to build a more perfect union.”
Conclusion of Langston Hughes’s Dream
Langston Hughes sought to redefine the African American experience through art. He believed in the power of creative expression to heal and renew, to teach and inspire. His dream was to bring poetical justice to the African American people he so deeply admired. In his words, “Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly.” Langston Hughes understood the untapped beauty and power of the African American spirit, and it is his dream that still resonates today.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
Since Langston Hughes’ death in 1967, his legacy is preserved in a host of Nobel Prizes, civil rights victories, educational programs, and literary awards named in his honor. Hughes’s works have been celebrated by institutions of higher education and countless readers around the world. Through his writing, he addressed issues of race, class, and power, inspiring others to do the same. His words have been praised for their depth and beauty, for their ability to evoke emotion and draw attention to inequality.
In honor of Langston Hughes’ contributions to literature, renowned scholars and artists have edited, compiled, and published numerous volumes of his work. As a testament to his achievement, The Langston Hughes Memorial Library was established in 1968. The Library provides access to research materials and serves as a resource center for individuals interested in Hughes’s life and legacy.
Receiving Awards and Recognition
Langston Hughes is heralded as a giant figure of African American literature. In 1943, Hughes was the first African American to receive the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. He accepted numerous honorary degrees and was praised for his accomplishment in poetry and prose. Hughes received prestigious awards for his work, including the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and the National Book Award. In 1997, the US Postal Service honored him with a commemorative stamp in his image.
Moreover, Langston Hughes was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters and was the first African American to be inducted into the Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2009. Additionally, Langston Hughes’ works have been included in high school curricula across the country. These honors are a testament to Hughes’s tremendous contribution to American literature.
Literary significance of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, who pushed the boundaries of African American literature. His work inspired many to embrace their creative voices, as well as advocate for social and racial justice. Through his art, he created a new and powerful sense of African American identity, which made him an integral part of American history.
In his writings, Hughes sought to give voiceless people a platform, to tell their stories and to celebrate their strength. His prose and poetry provided comfort and solace to many, reminding us that literature can spark profound change. Scholars and readers alike have admired Hughes’s work for its soul-stirring rhythms and profound messages about self-determination and liberation.
Continuin the Legacy of Langston Hughes
In recent years, the legacy of Langston Hughes has been kept alive through organizations such as The Langston Hughes Project, which produces theatrical adaptations of Hughes’s works and promotes his literature. Several biographical films and documentaries, such as ‘The Dream Keeper’, have also been produced to commemorate his achievements and contributions to literature and culture. In addition, multiple books have been published to celebrate his writing and his impact on American society.
Furthermore, several poets and historians have studied Hughes’s poetry in depth, bringing forth new interpretations of the work and placing it in the historical context of the Harlem Renaissance. They have argued that, through his art and life, Hughes provided a powerful reflection on race, class, and politics in America.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes’s dream was to celebrate, affirm, and uplift African American culture in his writings. He saw the power of literature to bring solace, strength, and joy to those who had been oppressed and marginalized by a society that saw them as inferior. Hughes’s work has, and continues to inspire many, and he has been remembered as one of the most influential figures of African American literature and history.
