Langston Hughes is remembered as a prolific poet, novelist, playwright, and social commentator who empowered his contemporaries and defined African American literature during the 1920s. He was at the forefront of the Harlem Renaissance, which is the largest and most influential movement of the 20th century in African-American literary history. Langston Hughes was influential in helping to define the aesthetics, range, and direction of the Harlem Renaissance.
When Hughes moved to Harlem in 1921, he was embraced by the leaders of the community, helped build a bridge between African American communities and white literary audiences, and sought to create literary works that reflected the experience and plight of African Americans. Hughes was the leading poet of the Harlem Renaissance, and his works were highly lyrical and evocative of the emotions of African Americans during the 1920s. His poetry was filled with vivid imagery, social critique and calls for the freedom of African Americans.
Hughes established himself as a premier poet, lecturer, novelist, and social critic by writing about the injustices suffered by African Americans in society, and by creating vivid and powerful works of art that captured the suffering, longing, sorrow and joy of the African American experience. He was dedicated to promoting the works of other African American writers and artists, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Aaron Douglas. In the 1925 issue of “The Fire!!”, a monthly magazine that Hughes edited, he wrote that African American artists “can create a new world through their creative energies”.
Hughes also wrote a column for the “Chicago Defender”, which is one of the most influential African American newspapers of the 20th century. His powerful and lyrical writing often carried a prophetic tone, calling out injustices suffered by African Americans, and advocating for their rights. His writings gave African Americans hope for a brighter future, and strength in the face of adversity.
In 1925, Hughes published his first collection of poems, “The Weary Blues”, which explored the sorrows, joys, and triumphs of life in the African American community. His works were often infused with rhythm and swing, reflecting the musical culture of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes’ writings were praised by figures such as Alain Locke and W.E.B. Du Bois, who believed that Hughes had a profound influence on the writing of the Harlem Renaissance, and that he was a major contributor to the emergence of a distinctly African American literary canon.
In 1926, Hughes became the first African American to have his work published in the “American Mercury”. He also wrote for the “Crisis”, the NAACP’s influential publication, where he published the “Colored Peoples’ Constitution”, a powerful plea for African American freedom and equality. Hughes shared the experiences and hardships of the black community with a broad audience, and during the Harlem Renaissance, his poetry, novels, plays, and other works featured in venues both within and outside of the black community.
Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance Writers
Hughes was an inspiration to many African American writers of the Harlem Renaissance, and his works were read and admired by writers such as Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, Zora Neale Hurston, and Jean Toomer. Hughes was widely read and respected, and his poetry and writing styles were often imitated and adapted by younger writers and poets. He served as an inspirational figure to many Harlem Renaissance writers, who saw him as a source of encouragement and guidance.
In addition to being an influential poet, Hughes was an astute leader and spoke out on an array of issues and topics. He served on the board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He also participated in major demonstrations, such as the Daughters of Ethiopia Rally in Washington D.C. and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His leadership helped advance civil rights for African Americans throughout his lifetime.
Hughes was an internationally recognized figure in the literary and political circles of the 1920s and 1930s, and his works continued to resonate even after his death in 1967. His works were widely discussed and read, and they were a major source of inspiration to many African American writers who followed in his footsteps.
Foundational Influences of Langston Hughes
In his lifetime, Hughes drew upon the many African American writers who had come before him, and who had set the foundation of what would become the Harlem Renaissance. Two of Hughes’ primary influences were poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and novelist Charles W. Chesnutt. Dunbar, the first African American to become internationally known as a writer, provided Hughes with insight into the African American experience through his evocative poetry. Chesnutt, a novelist and short story writer, was a major influence in terms of Hughes’ social criticism. Chesnutt’s works often called out the racism of the times and urged African Americans to persist and come together in their quest for justice.
Other influential works that Hughes drew from included the writings of James Weldon Johnson, whose book “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” provided insight into the psychological struggle of a light-skinned African American, and “The Souls of Black Folk” by WEB Dubois, who provided a philosophical approach to the African American experience. Other influential works included the poetry of James Haywood, Frank DeFane, and Countee Cullen, who also had a profound influence on Hughes and other African American writers.
Through his works and poetry, Hughes drew upon the teaching of the African American grandmothers he had grown up with. He also incorporated the spirituals and blues music to which he had listened in his youth. His writings were often reflective of the struggles and joys his community was experiencing, and he sought to provide a powerful narrative that spoke to the hearts and minds of African Americans.
Social Aspect of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance
Hughes’ literature was an important part of the cultural and political emancipation of African Americans in the early 20th century, and his works captured the essence of the Harlem Renaissance. His works gave voice to the struggles and aspirations of African Americans, and his confidence in the imminent progress of his people fueled their efforts for social change. His works drew attention to issues of racism, poverty, and oppression, and he highlighted the emotions of African Americans in his writings. Hughes called out injustice and inspired African Americans to fight for their rights. He was an essential part of the Harlem Renaissance, and his writings continue to be celebrated and beloved today.
Unique Style of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance Movement
Hughes’ poetry is known for its use of free verse, and his works often incorporate jazz and blues rhythms. A unique aspect of Hughes’ work is its use of the vernacular, and his works often feature the African American slang of the day. His works frequently feature direct wordplay and dialogue, which gives the reader a sense of a character’s inner thoughts and feelings.
Through his poetry and other works, Hughes pushed the boundaries of African American literature and expressed his commitment to racial justice and upliftment. His creative works were highly influential and showcased the African American experience at the start of the 20th century. His works continue to resonate today and stand as powerful reminders of the importance of African American presence and creative expression.
Legacy of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance
Langston Hughes’ legacy is still felt today in the arena of African American literature and culture. His works inspired future generations of African American artists and writers, who built upon his themes of freedom, justice, and equality. His works have been adapted for stage, film, and television, and his writings have been studied in schools and universities across the world.
Today, Hughes is remembered for his powerful works and his passionate commitment to racial justice and equality. His writings remain an important part of African American literary history, and his legacy continues to live on.
Langston Hughes’ Contribution to the Harlem Renaissance
Hughes was an important part of the Harlem Renaissance, and his creative works provided an outlet for African Americans to express the joys and struggles of their lives. He was a major influence on other writers and poets, and his writings laid the groundwork for the emergence of a distinctly African American literary canon. He was an influential leader who promoted civil rights, and his writings are still celebrated today as powerful reminders of the African American experience and struggle for justice.
His work is an important part of the African American literary tradition, and his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance have been celebrated and remembered for generations. Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance continue to serve as a source of immense pride to African Americans, and inspiration and hope for future generations.
