Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes

James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form jazz poetry. Hughes is best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He famously wrote about the period that "the negro was in vogue" which was later paraphrased as "when Harlem was in vogue".

Read more about Langston Hughes:  Career, Political Views, Representation in Other Media, Literary Archives, Honors and Awards, Further Reading

Famous quotes by langston hughes:

    Maybe it just sags
    like a heavy load.

    Or does it explode?
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    Droning a drowsy syncopated tune,
    Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon,
    I heard a Negro play.

    Down on Lenox Avenue the other night
    By the pale dull pallor of an old gas light
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    I swear to the Lord
    I still can’t see
    Why Democracy means
    Everybody but me.
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.
    The rain makes running pools in the gutter.
    The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night—
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    I, too, sing America.

    I am the darker brother.
    They send me to eat in the kitchen
    When company comes,
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)