For many, Langston Hughes is well known for his powerful and influential works, such as the poems “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “A Dream Deferred.” But what were his hobbies away from his literary pursuits? We’re here to give an insight into what Langston Hughes liked to do in his spare time.
An avid reader, Hughes sometimes found himself with a book for hours on end in his free time. He regularly visited the Savoy and the Palais de Danse clubs to enjoy jazz, and was also a keen traveler when he had the opportunity to go. His trips included the African diaspora to Portugal, France, and Italy.
Aside from reading, Hughes found considerable pleasure in boxing. This interest in the sport extended beyond being a fan or recreational fighter. He frequented the YMCA and often made boxing a topic in his work. His autobiography, I Wonder As I Wander, is peppered with vivid recollections of trying to match opponents and the thrill of a challenge.
Outside of these pastimes, Langston Hughes was a doodler. He freely scribbled all over his writings, and kept several notebooks full of sketches and ideas. Drawing was an important source of creative output for Hughes, and it appears his drawings often served as precursors to his poetry.
Hughes revolved much of his free time around music. He sang with the Abyssinian Baptists Church, and had fond memories of his days there. He also liked to compose, and interestingly, he even invented his own form of syllabic jazz poetry. One of his literary executors, Arnold Rampersad, declared the style to be a mix of the traditional Anglo-American and African-American influences.
Photography
In 1937, Hughes took seven photographs when he visited Jamaica. These photographs were exhibited in the Library of Congress and are powerful representations of the period. Other than this, Hughes also owned a Kodak Pony 828 and often carried it around with him. He enjoyed shooting scenes he found intriguing, and according to his biographer, Akira Tsuzuki, Hughes’s artistic eye shines through in the many photographs he took during his lifetime.
Theater and Acting
Unlike his affinity towards boxing, Hughes had a longer relationship with the theater. In 1927, he wrote his first play, called Nigger Heaven. He was a major part of the Harlem theater scheme and was involved in shows all over the US. On his travels to Europe, Hughes often visited theatres, hoping to learn and understand different theatrical techniques. He was also interested in acting, appearing in notable films including Way Down South and Way Out West.
Autobiography
In addition to his beautiful and moving poetry, Hughes had an unquenchable thirst for autobiography. He wrote several autobiographies, including I Wonder As I Wander, The Big Sea, and Fight for Democracy. Hughes found great joy in writing his life story, and autobiography was an effective way for him to explore blackness, identity, and the fight for existence.
Conclusion
Despite being a literary giant, Langston Hughes had a diverse range of hobbies and interests that balance the emotional and creative side of his work with the lighter, entertaining moments. His love of literature, music, and art was an integral part of his life. To genuinely understand Hughes and his work, we must look more closely at his diversions and how they influenced his legendary works.
Sports and Political Activism
Langston Hughes was also an advocate of sports and politics. He was a massive supporter of boxing and also wrote in newspapers and journals on the dangers of lynching and other aspects of racial injustices in the United States that affected African Americans. He also used his platform to criticize the American government’s policies, writing on a variety of topics, ranging from land reforms to legislation.
Art & Writing
Hughes was not only a reader, but also a prolific writer. He wrote over 60 books, including novels, short stories, plays, and collections of poetry. For Hughes, writing was a way to connect with people from different walks of life and bridge diverse cultural boundaries. He also enjoyed hand-drawing, often mixing it into his literary works.
Tourism
Traveling was also an important part of Hughes’s life. He had a deep affinity for the history of African-American struggle, and it’s said he spent much time in the South, visiting sites of immense cultural significance. He also often wrote about his travels to expand his readers’ understanding of the complex trials and tribulations of African Americans in the United States.
