Background
Langston Hughes was an iconic figure in American literature, sometimes referred to as “the poet laureate of Harlem.” He wrote a wide range of works including poems, plays, books, and essays. A prolific poet, Hughes was known for his provocative writing style and his tendency to discuss themes such as race, poverty, and social justice. Throughout his life, Hughes lived in several places in the United States to pursue his career and his influence.
Early Years
Born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, Hughes was the son of James Hughes, an African-American, and Carrie Langston, of mixed African-American and Native American descent. He spent most of his childhood with his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston, who was also a great influence in his life. As a young boy, Hughes was known for his love of books and playing with words, which he inherited from his mother. Eventually, his grandmother helped him to move to Mexico City to attend school.
Education and Early Writing
During his time in Mexico, Hughes was exposed to the idea of Pan-Africanism, an ideology that unifies people of African descent worldwide.The experience had a profound effect on his writing and became the foundation of his artistic career. Upon returning to the United States, Hughes began a series of travels that would see him in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Chicago, as well as a brief stint in Africa. During this period, he wrote several of his most famous works, such as “I, Too” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”.
Harlem Renaissance
In 1924, Hughes settled in Harlem, New York, the epicenter of the Harlem Renaissance. During this period, Hughes established himself as a leading figure, contributing to literary magazines and writing numerous short stories, novels, and magazine articles. Hughes also inspired a generation of young African-American writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and James Baldwin with his passionate, socially conscious works.
Later Career
A star of the literary world, Hughes wrote and published works over the next few decades and performed his works throughout the U.S. and Europe. He was also a noted civil rights activist, joining the NAACP and other organizations to fight against racial injustice. In 1953, Hughes received a friend’s recommendation to move to the small town of South Brunswick, New Jersey. He remained there for the rest of his career, publishing more works and giving inspirational talks.
Personal Life
In the 1950s, Hughes became more and more isolated from the mainstream literary world. He lived in the South Brunswick-Perth Amboy area, where he met and married a widow named Mary Freedman. The couple settled in New Jersey, where they lived until Hughes’ death in 1967. He is buried in The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York.
Impact
Langston Hughes’ lifetime of work has had a lasting impact on African-American culture and literature. His work has been featured in books, television shows, films, and plays. In addition, the street outside The Schomburg Center was named “Langston Hughes Place” in his honor. His legacy lives on and continues to inspire African-American writers around the world.
Legacy
Langston Hughes’ legacy as one of the great poets and writers of the 20th century is undeniable. His bold, provocative works confronted issues of race and social justice, helping to inspire the civil rights movement and break down racial barriers. His writing continues to be celebrated and studied in classrooms around the world, and he will always remain an inspirational figure for generations to come.
Politics
A vehement advocate for social justice and racial equality, Hughes also had tremendous influence on the political movements of his time. Throughout his life, he expressed his political views through his writing, and he was a driving force behind the push for civil rights causes such as integration and voting rights. Additionally, Hughes believed strongly in the importance of education, encouraging young African-Americans to develop their minds and strive for excellence.
Influence
Langston Hughes was a highly influential artist, recognition of which was formally recognized in 1940 when he received the Harmon Foundation’s gold medal. The foundation also awarded Hughes a grant in 1941 to help with his writing endeavors. He continued to influence American culture through his writing, speeches, and advocacy, inspiring not just fellow African-Americans but people from all backgrounds to stand up for their rights and strive for a better world.
