Langston Hughes was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. As a poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, and social activist, Hughes’s impact ranges far and wide. He was a truly remarkable person whose accomplishments stand as a testament to his character, intelligence, and talents. This article will explore the many jobs that Langston Hughes held throughout his life, and delve deeper into the little-known but essential roles he played.
Langston Hughes is most widely known for his position as the “poet laureate” of the African American people. His work focused on social and political issues pertinent to black Americans, and his lyrical words sought to both inform and empower. His poetry inspired and consoled countless people, and his words are still widely quoted today.
In addition to being a poet, Langston Hughes was also a novelist. He wrote several novels that highlighted the struggles of African Americans, and he also explored themes of identity, creativity, and self-acceptance. The versatility of his writing was remarkable and his literature served to educate and open the minds of readers.
Aside from writing, Langston Hughes also held several unconventional positions as a young adult. One of which was a photographer for an organization called the Dadaist. He also worked odd jobs such as a laundryman, bakery driver, elevator operator, and tutor. None of these positions provided enough stability or income, so Hughes later accepted a job as a writer for a shipping firm. This gave him the financial security he needed to pursue his writing full-time.
At the peak of his career, Langston Hughes became a notable public figure. His work was featured in many publications, including The Crisis, Opportunity, and The New Negro, and it also garnered considerable attention from mainstream media outlets. He received several awards and recognition during this time, including being inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
In addition to writing and public appearances, Langston Hughes also became an educator and scholar. After completing his college education, he lectured on literature and race at a variety of universities in the United States. He also held seminars and workshops discussing contemporary issues, such as racism and civil liberties.
After spending the majority of his adult life as a public figure, Langston Hughes retired from public life in the late 1950s. He moved to Harlem and focused his attention on writing. He stayed in New York City for the remainder of his life and died of complications from prostate cancer in 1967.
Speaking Engagements
Langston Hughes’s words were influential on a global scale and was highly sought-after for speaking engagements. His speaking engagements reflected the same powerful themes he wrote about in his poetry and showed the deep connection he had with his readers. His public appearances brought attention to the relationship between race and politics in the United States and abroad, and even today his words remain relevant and powerful.
Hughes traveled extensively to prominent universities and civic organizations to give lectures and discuss pertinent issues. He focused on civil rights, racial equality, and the importance of education. As a poet, he also recited his works to audiences and sought to express the struggles faced by African Americans.
He also employed his speaking platform to emphasize civil liberties and encourage those in attendance to fight for the rights of all citizens. His words moved individuals to take a stand for justice, and inspired others to actively engage in the struggle for social change. Both powerful and eloquent, Hughes was an important mouthpiece for civil rights during many of his speaking engagements.
Activism
Langston Hughes was an active proponent of civil rights and equal opportunity for African Americans. He was a longtime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Urban League. He used his writing, speaking engagements, and social gatherings to advocate for progressive policies, and even marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic 1963 March on Washington.
In addition to civil and civil rights, Langston Hughes was also a fervent supporter of the arts. He strongly believed that art was essential to the progress of humanity, and he actively sought to expand access to and appreciation for the arts in African American communities. He worked especially hard to promote black writers and to argue for a larger presence of African Americans in mainstream media.
Hughes also strongly opposed racism and discrimination, and his work was a vehicle for learning and enlightenment. He tackled topics such as poverty, war, depression, and segregation in his writing, and his work presented unfiltered perspectives from the African American experience. He was a passionate advocate for justice and human rights, and his legacy continues to live on.
International Engagements
In May 1959, Langston Hughes made the first of many international trips, starting with his visit to the Soviet Union. Hughes was the first African American writer to be invited to the Soviet Union, and he traveled around the world in the following years. He visited countries including Cuba, Japan, India, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.
During these trips, Langston Hughes met with world-renowned poets, artists, and intellectuals. He discussed topics related to human rights and civil liberties, particularly those that applied to African Americans. He urged leaders in these nations to actively take a stance against racism.
Langston Hughes welcomed the opportunity to learn about other cultures and to spread his own words abroad. He wrote about his travels and experiences in several books, such as I Wonder As I Wander and The Panther and the Lash. These works created a dialogue between races and cultures and opened the door to a more inclusive society.
Legacy
The body of work and activism left behind by Langston Hughes will always serve as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished by dedication, hard work, and perseverance. His passion for writing, speaking, and travelling was evident in his life and in his words. His activism and advocacy for social justice and equality will continue to be felt throughout the world.
The life of Langston Hughes left an indelible mark on the literary community and the history of the United States. Today, his works are studied and his words are revered. He used his writing to bring attention to social and political issues, and his words remain timeless. The legacy of Langston Hughes will continue to inform and inspire others for generations to come.
Accolades
The efforts of Langston Hughes earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. He was a charter member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and also received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, which is the organization’s highest honor. He won a Guggenheim Fellowship and was inducted into the National Writers Hall of Fame in 1983.
He also received honorary degrees and awards from a variety of schools, including Yale, Columbia, and NYU. His writing was published in more than 70 languages and his work continues to be read and discussed around the world.
Langston Hughes was also honored in other ways. In 1976, the Langston Hughes Center was established in his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, and it serves as a reminder of his lasting impact. His works also continue to be translated and performed around the world.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Connection
Though Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. passed before their time, both of these men were influential figures in the civil rights movement. When Dr. King planned the 1963 March on Washington, he looked to Hughes for inspiration. King wrote of Hughes’s influence in his autobiography and even referred to him in a speech at Carnegie Hall several weeks before his assassination.
Both men were passionate advocates of justice, and their legacies are still felt today. The relationship between Langston Hughes and Dr. King underscores the importance of social activism, and it serves as a reminder of the power that collaboration can have.
