James 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, Columnist, Social Activist
Early Life and Education
- Hughes had a difficult childhood, raised primarily by his maternal grandmother.
- He traveled extensively during his youth, living in Mexico and various locations in the United States.
- He attended Columbia University briefly in 1921 but left after a year.
- Graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1929.
Career and Major Achievements
- A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, his poetry explored the experiences of Black Americans.
- He wrote novels, plays, short stories, essays, and children's books.
- Hughes traveled extensively, lecturing and promoting his work internationally.
- He wrote a long-running column for the Chicago Defender, creating the character of Jesse B. Semple ("Simple").
- He received the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Race Relations and the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.
Notable Works
- Poetry Collections: The Weary Blues (1926), Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951), Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz (1961)
- Novels: Not Without Laughter (1930)
- Plays: Mulatto (1935), Black Nativity (1961)
- Autobiographies: The Big Sea (1940), I Wonder as I Wander (1956)
- Short Story Collections: The Ways of White Folks (1934)
Legacy and Impact
Langston Hughes's work had a profound impact on American literature and culture. His writing provided a powerful voice for Black Americans and helped to shape the Harlem Renaissance. This short biography of Langston Hughes only touches on the breadth of his contribution. His legacy continues to inspire writers and artists today.