Langston Hughes was an influential African-American poet during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. His work, which often explored themes of racism, poverty, and injustice, gave voice to a generation of African-Americans struggling to survive in a segregated America. Hughes’ writings, which ranged from short stories to plays and poems, are among the most widely read, studied, and quoted works of African-American literature. For these reasons, Hughes earned the affectionate tribute of the term “Poet Laureate” from his contemporaries, who considered him to be the voice of African-American literature.
Hughes’ life story reflects his immense talent and can be seen as a kind of inspiration for those who strive for greatness despite hardships. Born in Joplin, Missouri, Hugo Langston Hughes was the son of an African-American mother and a homeless white father who never married. At the age of thirteen, Hughes moved to Cleveland, Ohio with his mother and did odd jobs to make money. He attended Ohio State University for a year, but dropped out for financial reasons and moved to New York City. It was here that he began writing and soon achieved success.
Hughes’ writing style was an important factor in his enduring popularity. He wrote in a conversational style, often incorporating African-American slang and street vernacular. He wrote extensively about everyday African-American life and experience, and used blues and jazz rhythms to animate and emphasize his poems. He wrote of the struggle of individuals striving to overcome the paralyzing pressures of racial oppression. His writing was both aesthetically and politically charged, and was an effective tool for elevating the plight of African-Americans.
Hughes was not only revered for his writing, but for his support of other African-American artists and for his activism. From 1931-1933, he edited and published a literary magazine, “The Fire”, devoted to African-American literature. He also wrote extensively about the role of African-American art in a racist society, and encouraged African-Americans to take pride in their own heritage. He was known for his fierce and relentless commitment to civil rights and racial justice.
Today, Hughes’ work continues to inspire and influence African-American writers and artists. His writings remain important to the study of African-American literature and are often seen as a touchstone for those exploring the history of Civil Rights and Race in America. He was a major figure of the Harlem Renaissance and his work continues to be celebrated as a landmark of 20th century American literature.
Poetic Expressions
Langston Hughes became known for imbuing poetry with a passionate expressiveness. His poetry explored the power of words to project deep emotion, to challenge the status quo, and to ignite the human spirit. His works include a moving tribute to the heroic spirit of African-Americans throughout history, as well as a powerful critique of the racism and injustice they faced. His poetry is characterized by its symbolic imagery; his lines are evocative and layered, often featuring complex meter and structure. Many of his works explore the difficult experiences of African-Americans, while others celebrate the power of the individual in overcoming those challenges.
Hughes’ work resonated with both his contemporaries and with generations of readers since; his poetry has become part of the canon of African-American literature. The fact that his works are still widely read and taught demonstrates the lasting power and appeal of his poetry, and his influence on generations of African-American poets.
His most celebrated works include “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, which is an homage to the rivers of African-American history, and his acclaimed narrative poem, “The Weary Blues”. “The Weary Blues” has become an anthem for African-Americans and embodies the struggles of the oppressed, yet offers a measure of optimism and hope for a brighter future. “The Weary Blues” is arguably his most well-known poem and is seen as capturing the essence of Langston Hughes’ poetic expression.
Spreading His Message
Langston Hughes used his creativity to advance the cause of freedom and justice. He believed that art could challenge injustice, and he believed that poetry could be a force for social change. He found success in spreading his message by publishing his works in journals, newspapers, and anthologies. He was a frequent contributor to The Negro World and Pittsburgh Courier, two of the most widely circulated African-American newspapers of the time.
Hughes also wrote and performed in plays, as well as lectured across the country. He wrote plays that addressed the black experience in America, and his lectures highlighted the talents and strengths of African-Americans. By spreading his message through lectures, plays, and other performances he was able to reach a wide and diverse audience.
His advocacy was not limited to words. During the 1940s, Hughes began to actively involve himself in civil rights activism. He joined organizations like the Council for African Affairs and opposed the United States involvement in World War II. Hughes also supported the SCLC, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and encouraged people to join protests and demonstrate. His activism and advocacy in the pursuit of freedom and justice were so influential that many considered him to be the ‘Poet Laureate’ of the civil rights movement.
Honours and Legacies
Langston Hughes made an indelible mark on American culture and contemporary thought. He not only inspired countless African-American writers with his own writings, but also through his lectures and activism. His influence is evident today in the works of numerous African-American authors and poets, such as Amiri Baraka, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. In addition, Hughes’ writings are part of the curriculum in schools and universities across the country.
Hughes was the first African-American to receive an honorary doctorate from Howard University and he was awarded posthumously the George Orwell Award for Clarity in Language from Columbia University. He was also a two-time winner of the Guggenheim Fellowship and a recipient of the National Book Award. Today, events like the Langston Hughes Festival take place to commemorate his legacy, and his impactful words remain as a timeless reminder of his commitment to equality and justice for African-Americans.
Trumpeting a New Generation of Poets
Hughes’ influence is felt in the current generation of writers and poets. His writings continue to inspire the works of many writers and poets, evident in the various languages and forms of expression used in their works. Hughes’ influence can be seen in the poetic styles of many current writers and poets, including Major Jackson, Erykah Badu, and Nikki Giovanni. His influence is also evident in the works of playwrights like August Wilson and Lynn Nottage, whose plays address the African-American experience in both poignant and thought-provoking ways.
The legacy of Langston Hughes is alive today as his words continue to reverberate in the hearts and minds of every new generation of poets and writers. His name is one that is often invoked when speaking of African-American literature and culture, and his influence on contemporary African-American literature and poets is undeniable. He stands out as a beacon of courage and hope, and will forever remain a poet laureate of African-American literature.
Producing Musical Works
Langston Hughes also wrote and produced musical works. His partnership with composer Marian Anderson gave birth to the opera Troubled Island, which premiered in 1949. The work is based on Hughes’s play about a fictional slave revolt. Hughes also wrote several works for Broadway, including the Pulitzer Prize nominated play Simply Heavenly and the musical Bluest Eye. Through his works for the stage, Langston Hughes sought to challenge audiences and inspire them to question and explore long held beliefs about race, class and gender.
Hughes’s musical works continue to be celebrated. Plays and operas based on his works have been produced in both the United States and Europe in recent years. Recently, the National Black Theater of London produced Hughes’ original play Sleepytown with great success. This production sought to explore the societal and racial issues raised by Hughes in the mid-twentieth century and to showcase the relevance of his work to contemporary audiences.
Marian Anderson also compiled a three-cantata work which included Hughes’s poetry and set to music, and this competed in the Pulitzer Prize in music in 1959. The three-cantata work, entitled Field of Stars, reflects the spirit of Hughes’ varied works. This powerful collaboration between the poet and composer demonstrates Hughes’ enduring legacy in different mediums.
From Page to Screen
The impact of Langston Hughes’s work can also be seen in film and television. His poem “The Dream Keeper” was adapted into The Dream Keeper, a musical directed by Debbie Allen and produced by Richie Adler. The film follows the story of Lola, a young girl living in Mississippi, who learns the power of her dreams through the magical story of her ancestor, the dream keeper. This film serves as an inspirational tale of hope and courage and is a testament to the power of Hughes’ work.
In 2017, director Stanley Nelson released a documentary about Hughes, entitled The Pantomimers for Langston Hughes. The documentary follows Hughes’ journey from his early life in Missouri to his powerful collaboration with composer Marian Anderson. This documentary serves to commemorate and celebrate the impact of Langston Hughes’ works and to remind us of his lasting legacy on African-American culture and literature.
These films, plays and musicals demonstrate the breadth and depth of Hughes’ work and his impact on audiences and cultures around the world. His work has been a source of inspiration for generations and his writing continues to challenge and inspire readers and viewers alike.
