Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Langston Hughes, as leader of the Harlem writers and creator of the Black Literary Renaissance of the 1920s, was a spokesman for the plight of many black people in America. The author states that many African-Americans activists, such as Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, did not appreciate Langston Hughes's poetry because they only wanted the positive side of the black experience portrayed. The paper concludes that the poetry of Langston Hughes captures a moment in history when the tension between race relations was high and many blacks were looking to break free; Hughes was the black voice of this Freedom Movement.

From the Paper:

"Throughout his extensive collection of poetry, there are numerous lyrics that reflect this, such as "Jazzonia," "Young Gal's Blues," and "Dream Boogie," just to name a few. He even often had blues players at his readings to perform musical interludes while he recited his poems. Ultimately, by using the music, he was able to capture an aspect of African-American culture that was different from the traditional "white" culture. In other words, it was unique, it was his. It was this difference, this uniqueness, which his poetry illuminates so well."

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