The Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes

LANGSTON HUGHES, was part of the Harlem Renaissance and was known during his lifetime as "the poet laureate of Harlem," Harlem Renaissance His first book of poetry, 'The Weary Blues', published in 1926, made him well known among literary people.

The poetry of Langston Hughes reflected the uniquely African-American experience Instead of copying the style and subjects of white writers, Hughes began a trend where black writers wrote very real literature about the experiences of blacks This literature, along with art and music, was part of the rebirth of African- American culture and cultural contributions that were known as the “Harlem Renaissance”

LANGSTON HUGHES ( ) ~Dream Deferred~ What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load Or does it just explode?

I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed - I, too, am America.

Hughes was the first African American author to support himself through his writing; he produced more than sixty books. He earned critical attention for his portrayal of realistic black characters and he became one of the dominant voices speaking out on issues concerning black culture. He wrote in many genres; starting and continuing with poetry, he turned to fiction, autobiographies, and children's books. His most famous fictional character is Jesse B. Semple, nicknamed Simple, who uses humor to protest and satirize the existing injustices.