Introduction to Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright who is widely considered to be one of the most influential writers of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a prolific author, writing poems, novels, short stories, plays, and essays over the course of his lifetime. He was also an important social and political figure, particularly in the fight for civil rights and against racial injustice.
Who Were Langston Hughes’ Parents?
Hughes was born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, to parents James Nathaniel Hughes and Carrie Mercer Langston Hughes. His father, James, was a free-born African American of mixed ancestry which included African, German, Irish, Scottish, and Native American; his mother, Caroline, was from a prominent African American family in Lawrence, Kansas. His parents separated shortly after his birth, and Hughes moved with his mother to Lawrence, Kansas.
Life of His Parents
Hughes’ father, James, had pursued a career in politics, initially attending law school in Kansas City and then working as a lawyer for the state of Missouri. He later moved to Cuba, where he ran a hotel. Unfortunately, James suffered bouts of depression throughout his life and eventually moved back to the United States to be with his family.
Hughes’ mother, Caroline, was an educated woman who taught in schools throughout the Kansas City area. While she also suffered bouts of depression throughout her life, she used her innate intelligence and drive to ensure a good education and future for her son.
Influence on Langston Hughes
Though his parents were separated, both had a strong influence on Hughes’ life and work. His father’s struggles with depression, combined with his vivid stories of living in Cuba, likely provided the backdrop for Hughes’ novel “Not Without Laughter,” which tells the story of an African American family living in segregated Kansas.
His mother’s drive and educational background inspired Hughes to pursue education and use his intelligence to challenge and fight for civil rights and justice. She also encouraged Hughes to pursue a career in literature and writing, which he ultimately turned into his life’s work.
Hughes’ Achievements
As an author and civil rights activist, Hughes’ accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. Though he achieved recognition and success during his lifetime, his work has continued to be honored and studied today. He was one of the preeminent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, writing some of its most celebrated and memorable works, including his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” “Not Without Laughter,” and several plays. He was also an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement, speaking out against racial injustice and participating in rallies and protests for equal rights. His work has been honored with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts, the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, and a citation from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Legacy of Langston Hughes
The legacy of Langston Hughes has been carried on by those who continue to value his work and what it stands for. He has been lauded as an important influence by contemporary authors such as Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison. His works have been adapted into plays, musicals, and films, and he is a popular source of inspiration for musicians and hip hop artists.
In 2014, Hughes was posthumously honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. The award commemorates his enduring impact on American culture and literature.
Prominence of Langston Hughes Today
Today, the work of Langston Hughes continues to be highly esteemed, particularly in the African American community. His work has been cited in numerous scholarly texts and his works are studied in universities and schools around the world. His fame and status as an influential voice of the Harlem Renaissance continues to be recognized and celebrated.
Conclusion
The parents of Langston Hughes, James Nathaniel and Caroline Mercer Langston Hughes were two of the most influential figures in his life. Though their relationship was complicated, their drive and ambition helped to shape Hughes’ life and career as one of the most important authors and social activists of the twentieth century. Their influence on Hughes’ work can still be seen and felt today.
