“The Shakespeare of Harlem”

Born in Joplin, Missouri, James Langston Hughes was a member of an abolitionist family. He was raised primarily by his grandmother.

Father abandoned his family due to racist conditions in the United States; moved to Cuba, then Mexico Designated as class poet in grammar school: "I was a victim of a stereotype. There were only two of us Negro kids in the whole class and our English teacher was always stressing the importance of rhythm in poetry. Well, everyone knows — except us — that all Negroes have rhythm, so they elected me as class poet."

S CHOOL Langston’s father offered to pay tuition if Langston studied engineering and not writing at Columbia University While at Columbia in 1921, Hughes managed to maintain a B+ grade average He left in 1922 because of racial prejudice His interests revolved more around the neighborhood of Harlem than his studies, though he continued writing poetry

Hughes received a B.A. degree from Lincoln University in 1929 Received a Litt. D. in 1943 from Lincoln. A second honorary doctorate was awarded to him in 1963 by Howard University He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

H UGHES ’ FIRST VOLUME OF POETRY WAS T HE WEARY B LUES, PUBLISHED IN 1926.

T HE W EARY B LUES

H ARLEM R ENAISSANCE Also known as the “New Negro Movement” Centered in Harlem, NY during the 1920’s and 1930’s

T HE HARLEM R ENAISSANCE : Challenged White paternalism and racism Celebrated Black dignity and creativity Was a flourishing of African American art: Literature Music Visual Art Dance Drama

“Harlem”Harlem

Though he remained closeted during his life, Hughes was homosexual. Avoided “coming out” to retain respect of Black churches, as well as to ensure further profit from his publications.

Langston passed away on May 22, 1967 at the age of 65, due to complications during an abdominal surgery.

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