Langston Hughes

Date of Birth: February 1, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 22, 1967

Biography

Langston Hughes, born James Mercer Langston Hughes, was an influential American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He emerged as a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, a cultural movement that celebrated African American cultural, artistic, and intellectual contributions to American society. Hughes was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri, but he spent much of his childhood moving between various cities, including Lawrence, Kansas, and Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Columbia University in New York City but left after his first year to travel and work various jobs. Hughes was known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. He wrote novels, short stories, plays, and poetry, and is also known for his work on the African American experience. His best-known works include the poetry collections “The Weary Blues” (1926) and “Montage of a Dream Deferred” (1951), as well as the novel “Not Without Laughter” (1930). Hughes’ work often reflected the struggles and joys of the African American experience, and he was a strong advocate for racial equality and social justice. Hughes passed away on May 22, 1967, in New York City due to complications from prostate cancer. His legacy continues to influence writers and artists around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Langston Hughes

1. Langston Hughes was a major influence on the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American culture in the 1920s.

2. He was one of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry.

3. Hughes was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP in 1960 for outstanding achievement by an African American.

4. He traveled extensively, visiting countries like Mexico, France, West Africa, and the Soviet Union, which influenced his writing.

5. Hughes was a close friend of Zora Neale Hurston, another prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Langston Hughes

1. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

2. “Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid.”

3. “I swear to the Lord I still can’t see why democracy means everybody but me.”

4. “When a man starts out to build a world, he starts first with himself.”

5. “In all my life, I have never been free. I have never been able to do anything with freedom, except in the field of my writing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Langston Hughes’ highest net worth achieved is difficult to ascertain due to the era he lived in and the nature of his work. However, his writings and contributions have garnered significant posthumous recognition and value.