Early Life
James Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. He was the second child of Carrie Langston Hughes, who had worked as a tenant farmer and laundress, and James Nathaniel Hughes, a lawyer. Growing up, Hughes was continually exposed to African American culture and art forms, from the religious music of his mother to the blues and spirituals of his father. Hughes’s father soon disappeared from his life, leaving his mother and grandmother to take care of him. In his early teens Hughes became interested in writing poetry and prose, although his peers in high school were more interested in athletics. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and pursued a creative writing major. It was here that he received his nickname, the “Young Lion” for his prodigious and fearless writing.
Influences
Hughes was influenced by both Black American culture and European romanticism. He grew up listening to jazz, blues and spirituals, and had an appreciation for rhythm and blues. Gospel song lyrics reinforced many of his continued themes of racial oppression and pride. He was inspired by African American leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington and was heavily influenced by renowned poet Carl Sandburg. Later in his life, Hughes was influenced by Marxism and the Communist Party, an influence that seemed to steel his fight against powerful forces that he felt were stopping African American advancement.
Career
Hughes began writing for magazines around the age of thirteen. His first published poem was “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”. With the success of his first poem, he continued to write many others, all of which helped establish him as an influential figure in African American literature. He was respected for his realism in portraying the African American experience, as well as for his use of lyricism to express himself. Hughes established himself as a poet, novelist, editor, playwright and newspaper columnist. He wrote over 30 books and released two albums of his work. His work has been translated into over twenty languages.
Legacy
Langston Hughes’ legacy of poetry has endured long after his death in 1967. His writing embodies what is termed “the Harlem Renaissance,” a period where African Americans experienced a burst in culture and creativity. He wrote about topics ranging from race and poverty to sexuality and death, and his influence upon African American culture can still be felt today. He has been honored with numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination, a National Book Award, the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. His body of work continues to have a powerful impact on African American history and literature, and he is widely regarded as one of the most significant African American poets.
Nickname
Langston Hughes’ nickname was the “Young Lion.” The nickname was first given to Hughes during his time as a student at Lincoln University, where his works were admired for their prodigious and fearless quality. It is unclear where the nickname originated from, but Hughes was content with it and embraced it. The nickname became associated with him for the remainder of his life, and it encapsulated both his age and the ferocity of his writing.
Literary Style and Impact
Langston Hughes was known and respected for his writing style. His work was written in recognizable and distinct African American dialect that was accessible and understandable to all readers, regardless of race. He employed lyricism, repetition, and jazz-inspired rhythms in his work, creating a unique style that was not found in mainstream literature. His impact on literature is hard to overestimate, as his works explore death, oppression, pride, and joy in ways that had never been done before.
Character
Langston Hughes is remembered not only as a brilliant author, but also as a compassionate human being. His willingness to examine some of the most difficult topics of his time—racism, sexuality and economic inequality—and his dedication to his craft are undeniable. He was a fearless advocate who used his writing to sway public opinion and he chose to lend his time and name to numerous civil rights causes. While he was always witty and quick with a joke, he was also a tireless fighter for justice.
Adaptations and Recognition
Langston Hughes’ works have been adapted for the stage and screen numerous times over the years. His works are available in various formats, including plays, anthologies and recordings. His words continue to inspire generations of readers and writers, and in 2002, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature. His work is recognized and appreciated around the world, from Europe to South America to Africa. He is beloved by scholars and readers alike.
Significance
Langston Hughes left an indelible mark on American literature and culture during his lifetime and beyond. His commitment to civil rights and his passion for his craft were unparalleled. His works have been embraced by readers of all backgrounds, ages, and genders. His legacy continues to be a reminder that writing can be a powerful tool for social change and justice.
