Early Life
Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. He was the son of a school teacher, Carrie Hughes, and a lawyer, James Hughes. His parents separated soon after his birth and in 1903 Langston’s mother moved to Illinois with her children, settling in Chicago. Langston attended public schools in Cleveland and in Lincoln, Illinois.
From an early age, Langston had an affinity for the written word. He began writing poetry and short stories at the age of eight. In high school, he edited the school newspaper, the Cleveland
News. His poems appeared in the school magazine, The Monthly, and during his senior year he won second prize for his essay, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”.
The Start of His Writing Career
After high school, Langston moved to New York City, where he attended Columbia University briefly. He left school and worked various odd jobs while he pursued writing full-time. In the early 1920s, Langston established himself in the Harlem Renaissance, a major literary and cultural movement. During this time he befriended poets, writers and intellectuals such as Countee Cullen and Claude McKay.
In 1926, Langston Hughes’s first book of poetry, “The Weary Blues,” was published. The book immediately made him an important voice among the African American poets. From then on, he wrote regularly and published a number of books. He also wrote poetry, essays, short stories, and plays, many of which dealt with African-American life and culture.
Notable Poems
Langston Hughes composed some of his most memorable poems during the 1920s and 1930s. His famous poem “Mother to Son” speaks to the struggles of African Americans and the need to keep going despite the obstacles. Some of his most famous works include: “The Weary Blues,” “Dreams,” “Let America be America Again,” “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” “I, Too” and “The Dream Keeper.”
Although Langston primarily wrote poetry, he also wrote plays, books and songs. He also wrote articles for newspapers, magazines and journals. He was widely celebrated as one of the most important black writers of the 20th century.
Influence
Langston Hughes had a tremendous influence on African-American culture and literature. His work brought to the surface issues concerning race and identity in the United States. At the same time, his works were faithful to the everyday struggles of African Americans. This drew attention to the realities of life for many African Americans during this period.
In addition to his own work, Hughes was instrumental in promoting the works of other African-American writers. He wrote a number of reviews and essays on African-American writers. He was also a mentor to other writers and was an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
Legacy
Langston Hughes’s life and work has had a lasting impact on African-American culture and literature. His work speaks to the struggles and struggles of African Americans and their resilience in the face of adversity. His work is still widely read and used as a source of inspiration.
In addition to his literary contributions, Langston Hughes was a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was an early supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and spoke out against issues facing African Americans. His legacy continues to live on in his words and his advocacy.
Literary Honors
During his lifetime, Langston Hughes received numerous literary honors and awards. In 1943, he was awarded the Anisfield-Wolf Award for Literature, which recognizes books that make important contributions to cultural understanding. In 1945, he was made a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
In 1950, Langston became the first African American to receive a D. Litt. degree from Howard University. He also received honorary degrees from several universities, including Yale and Harvard. In 1960, he was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes is remembered as one of the most important African-American poets of the 20th century. His work spoke to the realities of African-American life and spoke to the aspirations of a generation. Through his writings and advocacy, he left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and inform today.
