History of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was a renowned American author, poet and playwright who was born in 1902 and died in 1967. He was one of the most important figures of the Harlem Renaissance, commonly referred to as the “father of jazz poetry” and one of the leading writers of the twentieth century. As a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes wrote many stylistic poems, short stories and plays that addressed the racism and injustice present in American culture during this time. He also wrote about love and the joys of everyday life, as well as about life in the African-American community.
Parents of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes’ parents, James Nathaniel Hughes and Caroline Mercer Langston, were both educated African-Americans. His mother was the daughter of a white British-American soldier who had deserted the army and married a slave woman in the United States. She worked as a schoolteacher in Cleveland, Ohio, and supported the family after Langston’s father left. His father was a successful business entrepreneur and lawyer who had considerable influence in the African American community. Langston’s parents lived different lives, but they had one thing in common: they both deeply loved their son.
Their Different Worlds
In an interview, Langston Hughes’s biographer, Arnold Rampersad, said that the couple seemed to realize that they were two different people living in different worlds. James Hughes was a more conservative type, with definite ideas about life, which he imparted to his son. His mother, on the other hand, had a more bohemian attitude, which Rampersad suggested may have been a factor in why Langston took to the fast pace lifestyle of the Harlem Renaissance so quickly.
The Parental Impact on Langston
It is clear that Hughes’ parents had a great impact on his life and his work. His father’s influence on Hughes is evident in his work. Hughes was exposed to different ideas and conversations at a young age, resulting in the development of his mature works.
His Father’s Politics
Though his father had abandoned the family, Hughes remained close to his father through his political writings. Hughes’ father was a powerful African American leader and activist. His views often appeared in Hughes’ writings in the form of essays, plays and poems. His father was influential in Hughes’ works, including his early poetry from the 1920s and his 1932 essay “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain.”
His Mother’s Discouragement
Langston Hughes’ mother was disappointed in his decision to pursue writing as a career, and did not provide him with any financial support. Hughes struggled financially throughout his early career, often working odd jobs while he pursued his writing dreams. The lack of monetary support from his family created an immense struggle for Hughes. Through it all, he scraped together enough money to pursue his writing.
Their Connection
In spite of his mother’s disapproval and money struggles, Langston Hughes was still connected to his parents. He frequently traveled and wrote about it, even sending letters home to his parents. His parents opened their doors tohim, with his mother preparing food, and his father discussing politics. Despite the distance between Hughes and his parents, the connection he held to them was one of the many influences of his writing.
The Legacy of His Parents
Though Langston Hughes did not have the support of his parents in the pursuit of his writing career, he was greatly impacted by their life stories. Through their stories, Hughes experienced the complexities of Black life in America, finding his voice as a novelist and poet. This profound impact from his parents is apparent in his works, which evoke a strong sense of pride in African-American culture while also challenging racism and oppression.
The Poetry of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is best known for his poetry, which was deeply influenced by jazz music. His works often celebrated the African-American experience, as well as the everyday joys of life. Hughes used his poetry to challenge racism and oppression, as seen in his famous poem “Let America be America again”. Through his poetry, Hughes was able to give voice to a marginalised people, addressing racism and injustice through a unique and powerful perspective.
Political Activism
Hughes was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He visited the “Birth of a Nation” screening and protested against the violence and racism portrayed in the movie. He wrote plays that criticized injustice and racism, as well as other political works. Hughes was also a strong supporter of the League of Nations, actively advocating for racial equality.
Support for other Artists
Throughout his career, Hughes provided support for other African American writers and artists. He was the primary patron of Zora Neale Hurston’s work, providing financial and emotional support. He is known for encouraging other writers to pursue their artistic aspirations, offering encouragement and advice. This support enabled other writers to engage in their craft and to bring their voices to the international audience.
Langston Hughes’ Legacy
Langston Hughes’ work continues to have a profound impact today. He was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance and a voice for African-American culture in the twentieth century. His works encouraged dialogue on racism, oppression and inequality and provided a platform for all writers and artists. His connection to his parents – despite their different worlds – serves as a reminder that family bonds surpass all.
