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Langston Hughes

Leonard Crowther

English 156

1 November 2005

On February 1st, 1902, arguably the greatest African-American poet of all time was

born. He spoke for an entire race, and his words had a huge impact on the treatment of

black people and the manner in which they were viewed. He gave hope to those who felt

the same way as he did. Although we look back on his work and study it, at the time it

was released it had a very real impact to many people. He was Langston Hughes.

I believe Langston Hughes's name should be considered amongst the greatest

poets of all time. He was not only a voice of the African-American man in a time of

oppression, but also an all-around great poet despite race or subject matter. Although he

was most famous for his racially motivated poetry, he also wrote children's poetry,

fiction, magazine articles, essays, operas, musicals, and plays. Langston Hughes was one

of the most studious, as well as flexible writers ever. ( Jackson )

Langston Hughes, a member of an abolitionist family and grandson of the first

African-American to be elected to public office, was born in Joplin, Missouri. He would

go on to become one of the most famous poets of all time and give hope to the black

community through his work. His words changed the world. It was obvious to Langston

he would be a writer. He dropped out of Columbia University against his father's wishes

where he had maintained a B+ average. He then put his ideas on paper and was

immediately praised. He was the voice of the black community in a time of segregation

and racism. He challenged society's definition of equality and brought attention to the

treatment of the black man in America. After a prolific writing career that lasted close to

forty years, Langston Hughes died of cancer on May 22, 1967. His residence at 20 East

127th Street in Harlem, New York has been given landmark status by the New York City...