Who But The Lord Langston Hughes

Start of the Trailblazer

Langston Hughes was an iconic poet, playwright, and novelist who played a pivotal role in the literary movement of the Harlem Renaissance. He became one of the foremost proponents of the artistic and literary movement in the 1920s and 30s that produced countless works of art, literature, and music. He was a leading voice in the fight for Black rights and equality, and his words and actions remain powerful today. He became a source of inspiration and his work continues to influence generation after generation.
Hughes was born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, to parents James and Carrie Hughes. He was unique for his time, being born to a black mother and a white father. In his early life, he attended numerous schools, always being the only black student. At Lincoln University, he befriended Countee Cullen, a fellow poet and later, one of his mentors. Hughes eventually graduated from Columbia University in 1925, and soon after, made the move to Harlem, the center of the Harlem Renaissance.

Exploration of Art and Politics

Once Hughes made his move to the vibrant city of Harlem, he embraced a life that embraced art and politics. His work was filled with vivid imagery, conveying the pain and struggle of black life in the early twentieth century. Hughes wrote prolifically, becoming an outspoken advocate for civil rights and equal treatment of minorities in the literary world. For example, one of his most famous works, poems “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “Mother to Son” reflect his beliefs, embedding powerful metaphors illustrating the African American’s historical connection to the river and life’s hardships, respectively.
Similarly, his plays often used history and culture to drive their point home. For instance, his play “Mulatto” featured characters of different races interacting, trying to come to terms with their differences. The play is still remembered and performed today, speaking to its timelessness. Critics and experts view Hughes’ work through the lens of intersectionality, as he does not shy away from race, gender, sexuality, and class throughout his works.

Popular and Disadvantaged

Although Hughes was embraced by modern critics, his work was not always popular during his lifetime. His associations with Communism earned him some powerful enemies in the literary world. In 1940, he was even called to testify in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Despite his controversial views, Hughes’ work was still popular amongst the masses, who admired him for expressing what they could not.
However, Hughes also experienced some of the difficulties face by many African Americans during this period. Despite being incredibly gifted and talented, Hughes often was unable to make a living off of his writing and even resorted to odd jobs. Even with his lack of financial success, Hughes managed to put out works such as his first novel “Not Without Laughter” and his autobiography “The Big Sea.”

A Wide Impact

Though Hughes passed away in 1967, almost immediately his work transcended expectations and earned him a place in literary history. His influence can still be felt today, from popular music to modern poetry, to the black power movement. He is remembered for his vivid descriptions of African American life, slang, and culture that managed to capture the spirit of the era.
In light of his tremendous contributions to American art, Hughes posthumously received numerous accolades, ranging from 8 honorary degrees to a special Pulitzer Prize for his work in 1984. He was inducted into the National Poetry Hall of Fame, and numerous educational foundations have been created in his honor.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Langston Hughes lived a life firmly devoted to the belief of civil rights and equality. He was always an advocate of human rights and as a social activist, he strongly believed in the power of the individual to make change. He excelled in and out of the literary world and he inspired those around him to do the same.
Aside from his solo works, Hughes collaborated with other leading figures in the Harlem Renaissance such as Countee Cullen, Carl Van Vechten, and Georgia Douglas Johnson. These collaborations helped pave the way for modern black poets in America and produced invaluable works from several perspectives.

The Relevance Lives On

The modern world owes an unquantifiable debt to Hughes for his outstanding contributions. His influence is so great that The Langston Hughes Writing Awards were created, offering scholarships to African American writers, among other scholarships and awards.
Even now, Hughes’ wonderful works still stand up and inspire. In 2017, a new wave of black activists, who were apart of the Black Lives Matter movement, adopted his poem “Let America Be America Again” as their anthem. It is a reminder that the issues that Hughes wrote about so many years ago, have yet to be solved.

Powerful Legacy

Langston Hughes was able to combine art and politics through literature, making his work just as relevant now as it was during his lifetime. He showed a tremendous ability to tackle difficult subjects and enlighten audiences about the difficulties of life for African Americans. His characters were filled with depth and his plays depicted a strong range of emotions in the African American experience.
Hughes’ power and influence live on through his works and they still have the ability to captivate and teach modern audiences. His commitment to civil rights and his inspiring works will help him live forever in the annals of American literature.

Stories that Speak

Hughes was known by many for his short stories, which he wrote often in a concise, concise and powerful style. His stories often featured characters that were protagonists in some of life’s most pressing struggles, including economic hardship, racism, and identity. As a powerful storyteller, it is clear that Hughes was able to capture the essence of the African American experience.
In his 1931 collection of stories, “The Ways of White Folks”, Hughes used stories to highlight the struggles African Americans faced and their resilience in the face of it all. Although these stories come from a past era, they still hit home for modern-day readers.

Differing Perspectives

In addition to stories, Hughes’ use of poetry to discuss the same topics was legendary. In “Montage of a Dream Deferred”, Hughes used vivid imagery to discuss the dreams of African Americans and their struggles for equity and respect. He used his powerful words to question the various impediments that prevent African Americans from achieving these dreams.
The poem is widely considered a classic, and its often the first exposure to Hughes many have. His legacy has influenced countless poets, including Sonia Sanchez and Maya Angelou.

Unique Profession

Langston Hughes left behind a powerful legacy that is still being felt today, even by those who have never read any of his works. But, Hughes was also well-known for being constantly involved in poetry competitions and speaking engagements. He was an active member of the lecture circuit, touring college campuses nationwide.
In addition, Hughes worked as an editor for the NAACP magazine “Crisis” and was involved with a number of music projects. His ability to capture the realities of African American life through multiple mediums made him a revered figure.

Tangible Evidence

In addition to his works, other tangible evidence of Hughes’ lasting legacy can be found. In the early 2000s, a Hughes memorial was erected in Langston, Oklahoma, a small town that had been renamed for him in 1983.
The memorial features a large granite boulder engraved with Hughes’ words, monuments to prominent African American figures, and a plaque to honor the man.The memorial serves as a reminder to both Langston natives and visitors, the power of Hughes’ contributions and the importance of honoring his life’s work.

Enduring Influence

Langston Hughes lived a short but impactful life. He made art and culture accessible by discussing pressing cultural issues in a way that connected to a universal experience. It is only fitting then, that he has been immortalized in some of the most influential works of the Harlem Renaissance.
His work continues to transcend generations, providing a window into a period of history that cannot be ignored. He gave African American literature a powerful voice and his works will forever remain a testament to the creativity that manages to survive, even in the face of incredible adversity.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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