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:

    I’ve known rivers:
    Ancient, dusky rivers.

    My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    While over Alabama earth
    These words are gently spoken:
    Serve—and hate will die unborn.
    Love—and chains are broken.
    Langston Hughes (20th century)

    I, too, sing America.
    I am the darker brother.
    They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes.
    But I laugh,
    And eat well,
    And grow strong.
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    here
    to this college on the hill above Harlem
    I am the only colored student in my class.
    Langston Hughes (1902–1967)

    Maybe it just sags
    like a heavy load.

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