Life
Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was a prominent African-American poet, novelist and playwright of the 20th century, who dedicated his life to artistic and social reform. He was born in Joplin, Missouri to James Nathaniel and Carrie Langston Hughes. His father was a businessman who left his family and went to Cuba when Hughes was an infant. His mother moved to Lawrence, Kansas, with Hughes and his young brother, who died soon after. Hughes was brought up by his grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston.
He attended elementary school in Lawrence, high school in Cleveland and college at Columbia University for a short period. It was during these years that he developed an interest in writing poetry and literature as an escape from the racism and poverty he encountered daily. His first poem, published in the Crisis magazine, was ‘The Negro Speaks of Rivers’, written when he was only 17 years old.
In the 1920s and early 1930s, Hughes moved frequently, living in Paris, Germany, Spain, and the Soviet Union. He was part of the 1920s’ burgeoning Harlem Renaissance, a profusion of literature, visual art, music, dance, and theatre of African-American culture. While living in France, Hughes wrote his most famous work, The Weary Blues, and many of his following poems.
He was also a novelist, short story writer and playwright, exploring the problems of racism and economic and social injustice in these mediums. His novels include Not Without Laughter and The Ways of White Folks and some of his plays like Mulatto, have been performed on Broadway. He also published anthologies and non-fiction like The Big Sea, I Wonder As I Wander and The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain, thus giving voice and hope to African-American people of the time.
He was decorated with the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1941 and was one of the eight members of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Hall of Fame. Further, Langston Hughes remains a symbol of great cultural and literary achievement.
Personal losses
Langston Hughes was a man torn between two worlds, who lost many of his family members that shaped him. His father, James Nathaniel Hughes, was a businessman who went to Cuba shortly after Langston’s birth. He was raised by his grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston, who instilled in him a love of reading, writing and poetry. Sadly, his mother, Carrie Hughes, died when he was 22, and his younger brother, who was a strong source of comfort, died when Langston was 15 years old. Hughes was closest to his mother and her death had a long-lasting impact on him. Later on, Langston’s beloved grandmother also passed away.
Influence
Despite all the losses that Langston endured, his family’s influence in his writing and work is undeniable. In particular, his grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston, instilled in him a love of reading and an appreciation for life. Langston was especially drawn to the people and the stories of his African-American heritage and this is what eventually inspired the voice of his often celebrated poetry. Additionally, his grandmother’s strong religious faith is seen in much of his work, particularly in his poem ‘Mother to Son’, in which his characters often reference religious passages.
Furthermore, Langston also had a passion for music, influenced by his mother, who played the piano and would often sing spirituals. This passion is seen in his work ‘The Weary Blues’, which is a blues poem written in the style of a popular 1920s blues song.
Literary style
Langston’s multicultural background and multifaceted upbringing had a powerful influence on his literary style. He was able to draw upon a wide variety of sources and synthesize them into his own unique voice. He was able to explore themes of race and identity from multiple angles; from the point of view of a black person, a white person, and a person of mixed backgrounds. Langston was also inspired by blues and jazz music, which is easily noticeable in many of his works.
Langston was one of the most influential African-American writers of the 20th century and his influence still carries on today. He was one of the lyrical pioneers of American literature and his works remain as relevant today as they were when they were first written.
Legacy
Langston Hughes was one of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance and was instrumental in bringing attention to African-American literature. His writing helped to redefine American literature and to challenge the status quo. Hughes was a pioneer in the areas of socio-political commentary and racial issues, writing on such subjects as segregation and racism. He sought to give voice to those who had suffered at the hands of systematic racism and to inspire those who were striving for social change.
His legacy lives on through the Langston Hughes Festival held every year in Lawrence, Kansas – his hometown. In addition, his numerous works of poetry, fiction, plays, and essays are still celebrated and referenced today. Both of these efforts also serve to keep Langston’s memory alive for generations to come.
Personal Life
Not much is known about Langston Hughes’s personal life, but he was known to be a generous and gentle spirit. He was an avid reader and often talked about social issues whenever possible. He was known to be very politically active and wanted to improve the lives of African Americans. Although he did not have any children, it is clear that his works and words will live on for generations to come.
Langston Hughes was an influential poet and social activist during the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote about topics ranging from racial justice to love and everyday life. His works were often reflective of his own personal experiences and observations, and he was an advocate for the African American community throughout his entire career. His words will continue to inspire and bring hope to those who may feel forgotten and unseen.
Death
Langston Hughes died at the age of 65 on May 22, 1967, in New York City. He had spent his last months in the hospital after suffering from cancer and heart ailments. His funeral took place in Baltimore, where he was buried beneath a sprawling willow tree that represented his desire to create a warm and sheltered home for African Americans. In his will, he bequeathed his home in Harlem to historical preservationists as a museum dedicated to African American literature and culture.” Langston Hughes had indeed created a safe haven within the literary world for African American writers, and his legacy lives on today.
