Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was a pioneering African American poet, novelist, and playwright. A central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, his works captured the essence of Black life and culture in America.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Mercer Langston Hughes |
| Date of Birth | February 1, 1901 |
| Date of Death | May 22, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Joplin, Missouri, USA |
| Professions | Poet, Social Activist, Novelist, Playwright, Columnist |
| Known For | Leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Innovator of Jazz Poetry |
| Famous Quote | “The Negro was in vogue”, later paraphrased as “when Harlem was in vogue.” |
| Education | Graduated from High School in Cleveland, Ohio; Attended Columbia University; Graduated from Lincoln University |
| First Poetry Collection | The Weary Blues (1926) |
| Other Works | Plays, Short Story Collections, Novels, Nonfiction Works |
| Column | Weekly opinion column in The Chicago Defender (1942-1962) |
Early Life
Langston Hughes, born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri, was a significant figure in American literature and a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He was raised primarily by his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson, in Lawrence, Kansas, after his parents separated shortly after his birth. His mother, Carrie Langston, was often absent due to her constant search for employment. Hughes’ early years were marked by frequent relocations; he lived in several Midwestern towns before eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended high school. These formative experiences and diverse environments significantly influenced his literary voice and the themes that he explored in his work.
Family
| Name | Relation | Information |
|---|---|---|
| James Nathaniel Hughes | Father | James Nathaniel Hughes was an attorney and businessman. He left the United States due to racial discrimination and settled in Mexico. |
| Caroline Mercer Langston | Mother | Caroline Mercer Langston was a school teacher. She separated from James and faced many hardships raising Langston Hughes. |
| Mary Langston | Grandmother | Langston Hughes was raised by his grandmother Mary Langston, who instilled in him a sense of racial pride and a passion for literature. |
| None | Siblings | Langston Hughes did not have any siblings. He was the only child of his parents. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Chest | Not Available |
| Waist | Not Available |
| Hips | Not Available |
Note: Detailed body measurements for Langston Hughes are not widely documented.
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, is well-known for his significant contributions to literature and his efforts to promote African American culture. However, when it comes to his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, there is relatively little public information available.
Langston Hughes is not known to have had any publicly acknowledged romantic relationships, and there is no information available regarding a current partner or spouse. There are no records of him being married or having a girlfriend/boyfriend at the time of his death.
There are no confirmed records of Langston Hughes being involved in any previous romantic relationships. His personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, remains largely private and undocumented.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
How He Became Famous
Langston Hughes became famous as a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement during the 1920s that celebrated African American cultural expressions and identity. His poetry, which often depicted the lives of African Americans in a realistic and relatable manner, resonated with a wide audience and garnered significant attention.
How The Career Started
Hughes’s career started to gain momentum in 1921 when his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” was published in the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis. He continued to build his reputation with a variety of works that spanned multiple genres, including poetry, novels, plays, and essays.
Popular Works
- The Weary Blues (1926) – Hughes’s first book of poetry.
- Not Without Laughter (1930) – A novel that won the Harmon Gold Medal for literature.
- Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951) – A book-length poem that captures the essence of Harlem.
- Simple series – A collection of humorous short stories centered around the character Jesse B. Semple.
Awards
- Guggenheim Fellowship (1935)
- Spingarn Medal from the NAACP (1960)
- Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (1954) for Simple Takes a Wife
Controversies
Despite his success, Hughes’s career was not without controversy. Some of the key controversies include:
- Political Views: Hughes’s political views and affiliations were often a subject of debate. He was closely scrutinized during the McCarthy era for his alleged ties to the Communist Party, though he denied being a member.
- Depiction of African American Life: Hughes faced criticism from some African American intellectuals who felt that his portrayal of black life was too simplistic and reinforced negative stereotypes.
- Sexual Orientation: There has been much speculation about Hughes’s sexual orientation. While he never publicly addressed his sexuality, some scholars suggest that he may have been gay or bisexual, which was a contentious topic during his lifetime.
Langston Hughes remains a seminal figure in American literature and culture, with a legacy that continues to influence writers and artists today.
