Langston Hughes
- Born:
- February 1, 1902, Joplin, Missouri, USA
- Died:
- May 22, 1967, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Novelist, Playwright, Short Story Writer, Columnist
Early Life and Education
- Hughes had a somewhat nomadic childhood, raised primarily by his maternal grandmother in Lawrence, Kansas.
- He attended Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he began writing poetry.
- Spent a year living with his father in Mexico.
- Attended Columbia University for a year studying engineering.
- Lincoln University, B.A., 1929.
Career and Major Achievements
- A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance.
- His poetry often depicted the lives of working-class African Americans.
- Experimented with jazz poetry and blues poetry.
- Wrote the long-running "Simple" series of columns for the Chicago Defender.
- Traveled extensively, including to the Soviet Union.
- Authored numerous plays, novels, and short story collections.
- Helped found several theatrical companies.
Notable Works
- Poetry: The Weary Blues (1926), Fine Clothes to the Jew (1927), Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951)
- Novels: Not Without Laughter (1930)
- Plays: Mulatto (1935), Simply Heavenly (1957), Black Nativity (1961)
- Short Story Collections: The Ways of White Folks (1934)
- Autobiographies: The Big Sea (1940), I Wonder as I Wander (1956)
Legacy and Impact
Langston Hughes, whose biography com langston hughes covers in detail, remains one of the most influential African American writers of the 20th century. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its honest and insightful portrayal of Black life in America and its innovative use of language and form.