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Langston Hughes - Writing To Inspire

Michael Jordan Sellers

Dr. Horner

English 102

September 17, 2007

James Langston Hughes

Writing to Inspire

James Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri to James and Carrie Hughes in 1902. After being deserted by his father, he and his mother went to Lawrence, Kansas to live with his grandmother. In the midst of struggle to achieve racial equality life for the Hughes family was not easy. Most of Hughes' early childhood was spent with his grandmother while his mother, a schoolteacher, attempted to support their family to the best of her ability (Tracy 170). At a young age Hughes had not only recognized, but also been a part of an ongoing battle to live as an African American in the United States. Hughes, who had a difficult early life and encountered racism daily remained loyal to his heritage. With an undeniable respect for his African American background, Hughes made racial pride the basis of his best works. Langston Hughes' struggles as young black man shaped who he became as a both a writer and an inspirational leader to the African American community and the world.

Hughes encountered the harsh reality of racism at a very young age. When the time came to attend school, Hughes was forced to travel to a school across town because he was "black". Hughes' mother, refused to accept this, for there was a "white" school near their home. Ms. Hughes fought the school board on this issue in order for her son to attend the school that was closer and more convenient. She won the case and Hughes was allowed to attend the preferred school (Mikolyzk 2). It was here that Hughes began his journey as a writer. Ironically, this journey began when his teacher, claiming that black people have "rhythm", chose Hughes as class poet. Rather than denying this stereotype, Hughes used it as an opportunity to display his amazing talents. After graduating from Central High, the opportunity arose for Hughes to move to Mexico to live with...