Langston Hughes

Did you know that a young poet named Langston Hughes used his words like paintbrushes to show life’s vibrant colors during the 1920s? His poems sang songs of joy, hope, and deep pride for African American communities. Today, you’ll travel back in time to meet this amazing writer and discover why he’s still celebrated around the world.

Langston Hughes was born in 1902 and lived until 1967. He became a shining star of the Harlem Renaissance, a lively time when African American artists, writers, and musicians showed off their talents in New York City. His writing captured both everyday moments and big dreams with honesty and poetic beauty.

When he was only 19, he wrote “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”—a powerful poem that connected Black history with mighty rivers like the Nile and the Mississippi. People everywhere felt its strength and wisdom. He also wrote plays, short stories, and newspaper columns, making him one of the first African American writers to reach a wide audience.

Langston Hughes broke barriers by sharing stories that celebrated diversity and encouraged equality. His words opened doors for writers, musicians, and artists of all backgrounds. Today, kids and grown-ups still read his poems and feel inspired to tell their own stories with courage and creativity. That’s why Langston Hughes’s voice echoes in our hearts and classrooms today.