The Life and Legacy of Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright and columnist who made a lasting impact on the literary world. Learn more about his life and legacy.

The Life and Legacy of Langston Hughes

James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright and columnist who made a lasting impact on the literary world. Born in Joplin, Missouri in 1902, Hughes was an early innovator of the literary art form called jazz poetry. He is best known as the leader of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that celebrated African-American culture and achievements. Hughes was born around midnight on February 1st, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri.

After the death of his grandmother Mary Langston, he moved to Lincoln, Illinois to live with his mother and her new husband. In 1932, he published his first book for children called Popo and Fifina. This was followed by a series of books specifically for children called First Book which aimed to instill a sense of pride in African-American culture in their youth. In 1994, Arnold Rampersad and David Roessel published a collection of Hughes' poems titled Collected Poems.

This was followed by Letters from Langston (University of California Press) and 201 Selected Letters of Langston Hughes (Alfred A. Knopf). Langston Hughes wrote with vivid images and jazz-influenced rhythms about the daily experience of African Americans in the United States. His works have been praised for their ability to capture the essence of African-American life and culture.

He is remembered as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and his legacy continues to inspire generations of writers today.

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