LANGSTON HUGHES

Born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902. Began writing poetry in 8th grade. Attended Columbia University and was supposed to study engineering. Hughes dropped out after one year and continued his writing career.

First published poem was “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” and it was published in 1921. Never married. Died in 1967 due to abdominal surgical complications.

FUN FACTS Hughes helped create a magazine called Fire! that was devoted to younger black artists. Worked various jobs and traveled the world. A favorite pastime was sitting in clubs listening to blues, jazz, and writing poems.

FUN FACTS CONTINUED… Was accused of being a communist. Hughes’s life has been portrayed in many film and stage productions.

FAMOUS POEMS Dreams As I Grew Older Mother to Son I, Too 50-50 Acceptance Bad Morning Catch “To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done.”

REVIEWS “Hughes is a talented writer.” “…it gains its momentum it moves as swiftly as a jazz rhythm.” “Hughes is a talented writer.” “Langston Hughes can write pages that throb with the abrupt rhythms of popular music.” “Neither his imagination nor his intelligence comes anywhere near the strength of his emotions.” “He has strong emotions”