Langston Hughes was a renowned poet, writer, and playwright who was an integral part of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902, Langston Hughes was the son of James Mercer Langston and Mary Patterson Langston. After his mother's death, he moved to Lincoln, Illinois to live with his mother's new husband. Hughes' writing career began in the 1920s when he wrote for the Pittsburgh Courier, a black newspaper.
His work was met with great acclaim and he quickly became a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His works ranged from poetry and plays to novels and newspaper columns, all of which focused on the African-American experience. In 1932, Hughes published his first book for children, Popo and Fifina. He went on to publish several more books for children in the 1950s, including his First Book series which was designed to instill a sense of pride and respect for African-American culture in young readers.
In 1994, The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, edited by Arnold Rampersad and David Roessel, was published. Langston Hughes' works have been praised for their vivid imagery and jazz-influenced rhythms. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in American poetry and literature.
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