Early life of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was born on February 1st 1902 in Joplin, Missouri and was raised by his grandmother in Kansas. As a young man, he briefly attended Columbia University in New York, but dropped out and moved to Washington, D.C. where he began writing poetry and short stories.
Hughes found a mentor in the writer**Vachel Lindsay** who published Hughes’ first work in _The Nation_ magazine. Self-publishing his first two books of poetry, _The Weary Blues_ and _Fine Clothes to the Jew_, he helped to establish an influential movement that would be known as the Harlem Renaissance.
Writing and Literary Achievements of Langston Hughes
In 1925 Langston Hughes journeyed to the Soviet Union and documented the experience in his book _A New Song_. The work included his poem “Body of a Woman”, which became one of his most popular works. This poem, along with most of his work, highlighted his themes of racial identity, social justice, and democracy.
Several of his works have gone on to be traditionally accepted into the literary cannon, including _The Weary Blues_ and _Not Without Laughter_. He published several other books of poetry, novels, and short fiction, as well as several plays and musicals like _Harlem_ co-written with the famous poet Arna Bontemps.
In addition to his own works, Langston Hughes was also a notable literary critic. He wrote about politically charged topics and was an advocate for racial equality and civil rights.
When did Langston Hughes Die?
Langston Hughes died on May 22, 1967 in New York City. He had been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of cancer. He was 65 years old at the time of his death.
Although the cause of his death was due to complications from cancer, Hughes’ life was marked by personal and professional success. His works, activism, and life had a profound impact on the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. His influence still lives on today in the stories, poetry, and works of many people.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
After his death, Langston Hughes was memorialized in numerous ways. A variety of buildings, parks, and other features have been named after him, ultimately ensuring that his legacy will continue living on for generations to come. One example is the Langston Hughes Library located in East Lansing Michigan.
In 1979, the United States Postal Service released a stamp commemorating Hughes and his legacy. Many other awards and accolades have been given to Langston Hughes including fellowship awards and honorary degrees.
Commemorations of Langston Hughes
In 1997 the United States Library of Congress opened the Langston Hughes Reading Room and Exhibition. This is a place to commemorate his life and celebrate his works, while providing visitors with access to documents, photographs, scrapbooks, sound recordings, and periodicals that provide insight into Hughes’ life and influence.
In 2008 the Langston Hughes Creative Writing Awards were created in recognition of Hughes’ achievements and accomplishments as a writer. The awards recognize individual works of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, drama and children’s literature. More recently, in 2021 the Pennsylvania Avenue Creative Corridor (PACC) created the Langston Hughes StoryWalk.
The Langston Hughes StoryWalk® exhibition is an outdoor experience that takes visitors through a self-guided tour of Langston’s life. It features installations from original works from Langston’s life and his literary works. This is a way to honor Langston’s life and continue to remember his legacy and the way that he has touched the lives of so many.
Impact of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is remembered as one of the most influential African-American authors of all time. He had a profound impact on the Harlem Renaissance and beyond and was celebrated for his boldness and courage in speaking against racism and inequality in a time when it was rarely discussed.
His work is still celebrated today and used as a source of inspiration and encouragement to people of all ages. From his poetry to his activism, Hughes’ legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
Influence of Langston Hughes Outside Literature
The legacy of Langston Hughes does not stop at literature. His influence can be seen in the music industry, with the likes of rapper Common and jazz singer Kurt Elling honoring him with their albums _Universal Mind Control_ and _The Gate_ respectively.
In the visual arts, the painter Jacob Lawrence created a two part series dedicated to Hughes’ life, culminating in a comprehensive narrative in paint. Hughes also had a profound influence in Dance and Performing Arts, as evidenced by choreographers like Arthur Mitchell who choreographed a modern dance suite inspired by his work.
Critical Reception of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was widely celebrated during his lifetime and after his death. He was both a widely acclaimed critic and an influential poet, gaining recognition throughout the 1920s and 30s. During the Harlem Renaissance, his work was instrumental in providing a voice to the African-American population.
Despite the critical acclaim and recognition he received, Hughes was also met with criticism for his frank and bold approach to racial issues. While Hughes was unafraid to speak his mind, his work was often seen as controversial and abrasive by some.
Literary Significance of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is one of the most influential African-American authors of all time. His works and activism are still relevant today and may be seen in the work of many modern artists, writers, and performance artists. Hughes was a fierce advocate for racial equality and civil rights, and his iconic works continue to inspire people around the world.
Perhaps the most important role Hughes had in society was his ability to promote resistance to racism and social injustice through his writing. He provided a platform for African Americans to express their experiences and frustrations, while providing a sense of identity and pride. His legacy lives on in his writing and continues to shape our perception of race, equality, and justice.
