Early Years
Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. His father, James Hughes, was a lawyer, and his mother, Carrie Langston, was a teacher. His parents divorced when he was young, and his father moved away from Joplin, leaving Langston and his mother alone. At age thirteen he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, with his grandmother. His early education was heavily impacted by the Great Migration, an event in the early 1900s in which thousands of African Americans, including Langston’s family, left the rural South to seek out better lives in Northern cities.
Growing up During the Harlem Renaissance
In 1921, Langston moved to New York City to attend Columbia University. His studies were cut short due to financial reasons, so Langston took odd jobs to make ends meet. He soon became drawn towards the Harlem Renaissance, a period surrounded by flourishing African-American artistic and intellectual culture. This period inspired Langston to start writing poetry and publishing his work, and he quickly became a leader in the movement.
Life During the Depression
By the 1930s, Langston’s career was flourishing. However, the Great Depression had a huge impact on his family life, as it did on so many other families in America during this time. The Depression impacted every aspect of Langston’s life and he found it difficult to make a living. He was forced to move around often, and he did not have a stable home or family life.
Legacy
In spite of the difficult conditions of his upbringing, Langston was able to leave behind a legacy of great works. His works often explored the hardships of African-Americans and the struggle for civil rights. He was able to reach the masses with his writings, which were published in national magazines, newspapers, books, and anthologies. Langston’s works were highly acclaimed and he was eventually bestowed with honors such as a Rockefeller Fellowship, an opportunity to study in Europe, and a medal from the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
Relationships
Despite his success, Langston never had a true family life. Outside of his mother and grandmother, he rarely formed close relationships with any other relatives. His greatest source of support was his network of acquaintances and friends, who often gathered at his home to discuss literature and civil rights. In 1930, Langston moved to Washington D.C., and frequently traveled abroad, further distancing himself from his family and loved ones.
Death
Langston Hughes died in May 22, 1967 from complications with prostate cancer. His death was long and drawn out due to the advanced state of his illness. After his death, the world remembered him for his great works and the impact he had in the African-American community. At the time of his death, he was still actively working and leaving a profound impression on American culture.
Writing Style
Langston Hughes’ writing style was deeply rooted in the culture of African-Americans. He often drew on the music, people, and culture of his people in his writings. He wrote in a range of styles, but was most known for poems that celebrated the triumphs and tribulations of the African-American experience. His poems, short stories, and essays are still widely read and studied today.
Influence of Expatriate Writers on Hughes
During his time, Langston Hughes was heavily influenced by expatriate writers, who were a group of writers and thinkers who chose to live outside of their countries in order to explore different cultures and perspectives. This group included writers from places like Cuba and France, who had collective experiences that contributed to the development of Langston’s unique style and perspective.
Impact on Race Relations
Throughout his life, Langston Hughes was passionate about making a difference in race relations in the United States. He used his platform to write about the issues of race and inequality and to advocate for the rights of African-Americans. His writings and speeches were influential in the Civil Rights Movement and his words remain relevant today.
Langston Hughes and the American Dream
Despite the hardships and adversities of his upbringing, Langston Hughes nevertheless managed to achieve his dream of becoming a successful writer and having a lasting impact on American culture. He was able to rise above his circumstances and develop a unique style that shaped the way African-Americans were portrayed in literature. He ultimately achieved his version of the American Dream and left behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire future generations.
