Langston Hughes was a prominent African-American poet and writer of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in 1902, his work was instrumental in bringing black literature, culture and politics to the forefront of the American public consciousness during his lifetime. His writing had a huge influence on generations to come and he is often viewed as the “father” of the Harlem Renaissance.
Like his contemporaries he wrote about a range of topics, from race and social issues to music, love and death. His work ranged from short poems to novels, plays and essays. What is clear from Hughes’ work is that he was passionate about his cause and that he was unapologetic about his commitment to racial justice and African-American writers.
For many, Hughes was a revolutionary writer who sought to make African-American experiences visible, to challenge the status quo and to demand attention for the struggle and plight of African-Americans during the period of segregation and racial discrimination. By doing so, he had an enormous influence on broader civil rights movements and on the black literary canon in general.
Moreover, Hughes shaped the narrative of African-American issues and guided generations of writers in expressing the black experience through their writing. He was deeply committed to exploring, writing and popularizing the stories and music of his people and he believed it could lead to social, economic and political change. His work encapsulates the struggle and the ultimate resilience of African-Americans, and is written in language that is still relevant in today’s times.
Despite the difficult circumstances of his upbringing, Hughes worked tirelessly to promote African-American excellence and to educate the public about the true state of African-Americans in America. His writing resonated with many people, particularly those from the black community, and helped bring to light many important and pressing issues. Hughes was determined to make sure African-Americans were not just heard, but seen.
Throughout his lifetime and beyond, Hughes was beloved for his work and viewed as an emblem for African-American progress. He has become synonymous with the Harlem Renaissance, but his legacy lives on far beyond that era, his words still resonating today.
Academic Influence
Langston Hughes’ influence can be seen in academia, where his work is studied and taught extensively. His work is regularly included in African-American literature courses, courses on the Harlem Renaissance, and even contemporary literature courses. He has become an iconic figure within the field of African-American literature, regarded as an essential and foundational part of this rich tradition.
Hughes’ poetry and work have been studied by scholars from a variety of fields, ranging from literature to history and politics. His use of language, imagery and metaphor is often highlighted, with many noting his ability to capture the emotions, struggles, and stories of his people with precision and elegance.
In addition, Hughes’ works often explore social issues and injustices. By weaving in themes such as racism and inequality, his works are widely regarded as being political, but in a scholarly yet accessible way. They enable readers to gain insight into the struggles and daily life of African-Americans during the period of the Harlem Renaissance.
Furthermore, Hughes has been praised for the use of accessible language in his writing; as literary scholar Michael Cooke observes, “it is Hughes’ facility with language, his ability to make accessible to a broad public evidence that was personal and deeply emotional, that is his greatest strength”.
Musical Inspiration
Langston Hughes was not only a literary figure; he was also a celebrated songwriter. His lyrics and music were inspired by Jazz and the “blues” and often blended poetics and music to create highly emotive songs. Although his own songwriting career was relatively short-lived, he gave countless other musicians the opportunity to explore these musical genres more deeply.
The influence of Hughes’ musical style was felt in the jazz world during his lifetime and beyond. His songs have been covered and re-imagined by a variety of musicians, ranging from the early blues singers to contemporary radio artists. He has also been credited with introducing many of the jazz forms used by these artists today.
Moreover, Hughes’ influence on music can be seen in his work as a publisher and editor. He worked with famous jazz musicians to help promote their music and collaborated with New York City clubs to produce music festivals. By doing so, he introduced the wider public to the music genre, and helped it gain more popularity.
Hughes was one of the few writers to successfully meld together poetics and music. His songs and lyrics helped forge a deeper understanding and appreciation of African-American culture and influenced many other artists who sought to honor and replicate his style.
Legacy in the Arts
From a contemporary perspective, Langston Hughes is remembered and celebrated as a cornerstone of African-American literature and culture, yet his influence doesn’t just stop there. He has left a far-reaching artistic legacy, influencing writers, musicians and even visual artists. His impact is felt in a variety of contexts, with examples ranging from modern novels to the theatre.
For instance, Hughes’ influence can be seen in the work of contemporary theatre authors and producers such as Suzan-Lori Parks and August Wilson. His unique blend of poetics and storytelling has been integral in inspiring generations of theatre makers, with traces of his influence often featuring in their works.
Similarly, Hughes’ influence can be seen in the work of modern visual artists. Visual artist Faith Ringgold and African-American poet Maya Angelou are seen as two of his biggest successors, often drawing inspiration from Hughes’ stories, imagery and language. Yet at the same time, these two artists have extended this legacy and carved out a niche for themselves in their own right.
Overall, Hughes’ enduring impact is arguably felt to this day, not only in literature and the arts, but in broader civil rights movements and the very trajectory of African-American history. His dedication to visualizing the experiences of African-Americans through his writing has had a lasting effect and has shaped the story of the Harlem Renaissance in the process.
Political Impact
Langston Hughes was a political figure as well as a literary figure; he was an advocate for African-American rights and his words had a revolutionary impact on civil rights movements. His work challenged the status quo and pushed for racial justice, and during his lifetime he was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Negro Youth Congress.
In addition, Hughes was a vocal supporter of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). His commitment to the UNIA was emphasized in his various writings and speeches, and Hughes’ strong political rhetoric helped bring attention to Pan-Africanism and the African-American struggle for equality.
Today, Hughes is seen as a symbol of hope and a beacon of progress. His legacy is still being embraced and celebrated by modern civil rights activists and his words are often echoed in their efforts. His commitment to justice and progress for African-Americans has had a lasting effect and has been integral in helping to shape the political landscape.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes was a revolutionary figure who utilized literature and the arts to bring attention to the struggles and plight of African-Americans. His work was instrumental in bringing African-American literature, culture and politics to the forefront of the American public consciousness during his lifetime. Moreover, he has been pivotal in inspiring generations of writers, musicians, visual artists, and civil rights activists.
Through his work, Hughes was determined to make sure African-Americans were not just heard, but seen. His legacy lives on far beyond the era of the Harlem Renaissance, his words still resonating today. His commitment to justice and progress for African-Americans has had an enormous influence on broader civil rights movements and on the black literary canon in general.
