Dreams. Famous Poem. Top 100 90. in Famous Inspirational Poems. Langston Hughes was an American poet who became famous for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African American to support himself as a writer. In this poem, Langston Hughes shares the importance of having dreams. Without dreams, our lives do not feel complete. Hughes, Langston (James Langston Hughes), 1902–67, American poet and central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, b. Joplin, Mo., grad. Lincoln Univ., 1929.Famous Short Poems by Langston Hughes and their Analysis. Here are 10 of Langston Hughes’s most memorable short poems: Table of Contents. 1. ‘Dreams’ by Langston Hughes. Hold fast to dreams. For if dreams die. Life is a broken-winged bird. That cannot fly.Missouri-born Langston Hughes used his poetry, novels, plays, and essays to champion his people and voice his concerns about race and social justice. He was a ...Aug 24, 2021 · James Mercer Langston Hughes was a well-known African American writer and social activist. He was born in Joplin, Missouri, on February 1, 1902. However, a new research conducted in 2018, states that Hughes might have been born the previous year. A well-known poet, Langston Hughes was also famous for writing plays, novels, essays, …1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. The Dream Keeper and Other Poems. by. Langston Hughes, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator), Lee Bennett Hopkins (Introduction) 4.34 avg rating — 1,347 ratings — published 1932 — 33 editions. Want to Read. Dreams by Langston Hughes is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the significance of dreams in an individual's life. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind this famous piece of literature, shedding light on the underlying themes and messages conveyed by Hughes. The Significance of DreamsHughes became a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1961. In 1973, an award was named after him, the "Langston Hughes Medal", awarded by the City College of New York. Hughes became a famous American poet, but he was always ready to help other people, particularly young black writers.Langston Hughes was a poet, novelist, playwright, and reporter who helped define the Harlem Renaissance. Find out more about his life and work. ... Langston Hughes wasn’t just a famous Black ...Oct 15, 2023 · Langston Hughes had a five-decade career. ‘ Song For a Dark Girl’ is a short but incredibly memorable poem. After reading it, the reader is left to dwell on themes such as racial inequality, violence, and love lost. Hughes uses clear diction that conveys the meaning of the poem in a direct fashion. There are a few moments in which the ...James Langston Hughes [1902-1967] was born in Joplin, Missouri, USA, the great-great-grandson of Charles Henry Langston (brother of John Mercer Langston, the first Black American to be elected to public office). He attended Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he began writing poetry in the eighth grade. Young readers can learn about Langston's beloved writing, including some of his most famous poems “Dreams” and “The Weary Blues,” and his long-lasting legacy in ...In 1927, Hughes received the Palms magazine Intercollegiate Poetry Award. Langston Hughes received a scholarship to Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts(B.A.) degree in 1929. Are Langston Hughes poems in the public domain? The work of Langston Hughes is in the public domain if you want …Langston Hughes — Making Queer History. We now shift from one prolific writer to another: Langston Hughes. A leading force in the Harlem Renaissance, a poet, a scholar, an activist, and a black man, Hughes spoke unashamedly of his experiences with racism in a still heavily segregated America.Langston Hughes (1902-1967) had a lonely childhood, but he was raised by his grandmother who had a love of literature, so Hughes turned to books during those lonely years. This poem shows that even through the hardships of life, it’s possible to keep pushing forward. In this poem, Langston Hughes does not follow the rules of grammar, but that adds to the …Langston Hughes (1902-1967) is perhaps the best-known African American poet of the twentieth-century. Born in Joplin, Missouri, as a young man Hughes also spent time in Mexico, Chicago, and Kansas before returning to Cleveland for high school. Hughes graduated high school in 1920, and spent time in Mexico before moving to New York City, where ... Hughes would become one of the best known and most versatile writers of the artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes works portrayed the life ...A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes. James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1901 [1] – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, novelist, playwright and short story writer. Hughes was one of the writers and artists whose work was called the Harlem Renaissance . Hughes grew up as a poor boy from Missouri, the descendant of African people who had been taken to ...2 days ago · Dreams. By Langston Hughes. Hold fast to dreams. For if dreams die. Life is a broken-winged bird. That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams. For when dreams go. Life is a barren field.James Hughes was born on 1 February 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, to Native Americans with Afro-American ancestry. His mother, Carrie Langston was a school teacher and his father was James Nathaniel Hughes. Shortly after his birth, his father abandoned their family and later filed for divorce. Seeking desperately to acquire a job, Carrie travelled ... A well-known poet, Langston Hughes was also famous for writing plays, novels, essays, newspapers columns and short stories. He was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement that flourished in the 1920s within African American communities in the North and Midwest regions of the United States.Known For: Poet, novelist, journalist, activist Born: February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri Parents: James and Caroline Hughes (née Langston) Died: May 22, 1967 in New York, New York Education: Lincoln University of Pennsylvania Selected Works: The Weary Blues, The Ways of White Folks, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, Montage of a Dream DeferredLangston Hughes, born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1901, was a prolific writer whose career spanned five decades. He emerged as a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, contributing to various literary forms, including poems, short stories, plays, and novels. Langston Hughes (1902-1967) is perhaps the best-known African American poet of the twentieth-century. Born in Joplin, Missouri, as a young man Hughes also spent time in Mexico, Chicago, and Kansas before returning to Cleveland for high school. Hughes graduated high school in 1920, and spent time in Mexico before moving to New York City, where ...In “ Harlem ,” Langston Hughes asks one of American poetry’s most famous questions: what happens to a dream deferred? This question echoes throughout American culture, from Broadway to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. It would not be an exaggeration to say that every time the “American dream” is invoked, Hughes’s …A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.Now, in an effort to keep Hughes' former home from becoming one more high-end co-op, a neighborhood nonprofit is raising money to lease the building as an arts center. Langston Hughes is famous for poems like " Harlem ," "I, Too" and " The Negro Speaks of Rivers ." "I would love to preserve Langston's legacy and build on it," says Renee Watson ...09-Apr-2005 ... Langston Hughes was famous for his descriptions of black American life. He used his work to praise his people and voice his concerns about ...Langston Hughes was an American poet who became famous for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African American to support himself as a ...Hughes, Langston (James Langston Hughes), 1902–67, American poet and central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, b. Joplin, Mo., grad. Lincoln Univ., 1929.By Langston Hughes. I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.The way the content is organized. and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive." "Dreams" is an early poem by American poet Langston Hughes, one of the leading figures of the 1920s arts and literary movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Originally published in the magazine The World Tomorrow in 1923, it explores themes ...5. ‘ The Negro Speaks of Rivers ’. One of Hughes’ most popular and best-known poems, this very short poem is something of a brief history of black culture from ancient times to the present. Hughes was extraordinarily precocious, and wrote it when he was still a teenager. One day, as Hughes was travelling on a train that crossed over the ...Through poetry, prose, and drama, American writer James Langston Hughes made important contributions to the Harlem renaissance; his best-known works include ...Aug 25, 2020 · Langston Hughes in 1954; Photo: Fred Stein Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images ... Hughes helped make the movement itself more well known. In 1931, he embarked on a tour to read his poetry across ... The Harlem Renaissance was a movement in the arts, including literature and painting, in the early to mid-1900s. African-Americans, fleeing the oppression of the rural South, moved in large ...Dreams. Famous Poem. Top 100 90. in Famous Inspirational Poems. Langston Hughes was an American poet who became famous for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African American to support himself as a writer. In this poem, Langston Hughes shares the importance of having dreams. Without dreams, our lives do not feel complete.By Langston Hughes. I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.Oct 13, 2009 · Langston Hughes, a central poet of the Harlem renaissance, was significantly influenced by the sounds and traditions of the blues and jazz. He presented “Jazz and Communication” at a panel led by Marshall Stearns at the Newport Casino Theater during the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival. The essay opens on a practical note, as Hughes …Chapter 7 - Langston Hughes's Famous Books, Ebony Magazine, and the Politics of Civil Rights in Biographies for the Young. pp 72-82 · By Katharine Capshaw · You ...He was named the “most renowned African American poet of the 20th century” (McLaren). Through his writing he made many contributions to following generations by ...A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.Aug 31, 2023 · Among the notable writers were Claude McKay, author of Home to Harlem (1928); Langston Hughes, known as “the poet laureate of Harlem”; and Zora Neale Hurston, who celebrated Black culture of the rural South. The brownstone is a national landmark, but it's been mostly empty for decades. In an effort to keep it from becoming another high-end co-op, a nonprofit wants to use it to preserve Hughes' legacy.Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. Langston Hughes. Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you. Langston Hughes. Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people - the beauty within themselves.Born in Joplin, Missouri, James Langston Hughes spent most of his childhood in the Midwest. Hughes moved to Harlem in 1921, where the famous Harlem Renaissance was taking shape under the leadership of intellectuals like Alain Locke and benefactors like Carl Van Vechten. It didn’t take long for Hughes’s literary talent to be recognized.Langston Hughes was an American poet who became famous for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African American to support himself as a writer. In this poem, Langston Hughes shares the importance of having dreams. Without dreams, our lives do not feel complete.Get LitCharts A +. Langston Hughes's “The Weary Blues,” first published in 1925, describes a black piano player performing a slow, sad blues song. This performance takes place in a club in Harlem, a segregated neighborhood in New York City. The poem meditates on the way that the song channels the suffering and injustice of the black ...Pen Name: Langston Hughes. Born: February 1, 1902. Died: May 22, 1967. Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967) is best known for the literary art form of jazz poetry, and for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. Langston Hughes, was raised mainly by his maternal grandmother ...Langston Hughes — known early in his career as “Poet Laureate of the Negro Race” and, now, as the preeminent poet of the Harlem Renaissance — was born James Mercer Langston Hughes in Joplin, Missouri to Carrie Langston and Charles Hughes. Recent revelations from historical African American weekly newspapers strongly suggest his birth ... Love to Langston is a collection of 14 free-verse, biographical poems about Langston Hughes’ life, by the Harlem author, Tony Medina. The facts at notes at the end of the book are a treasure, and teach kids and adults even more about Hughes’ struggles in racism and poverty, and journey to Africa. Written by Hughes’ good friend Milton ...In 1956, King recited Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son” from the pulpit to honor his wife Coretta, who was celebrating her first Mother’s Day. That same year, Hughes wrote a poem about Dr. King and the bus …Famous poet / Langston Hughes. 1902-1967 • Ranked #12 in the top 500 poets. James Langston Hughes [1902-1967] was born in Joplin, Missouri, USA, the great-great-grandson of Charles Henry Langston (brother of John Mercer Langston, the first Black American to be elected to public office). He attended Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio ...Poems by Langston Hughes. James Langston Hughes [1902-1967] was born in Joplin, Missouri, USA, the great-great-grandson of Charles Henry Langston (brother of John Mercer Langston, the first Black American to be elected to publMay 2, 2023 · 1. “There is no Frigate like a Book” by Emily Dickinson. There is no Frigate like a Book. To take us Lands away. Nor any Coursers like a Page. Of prancing Poetry –. This Traverse may the ...Sep 27, 2023 · By Langston Hughes writings. “Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid“. From the poem “Life Is Fine,” which is part of his collection “The Weary Blues.”. “Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love. I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.”. Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967) is best known for the literary art form of jazz poetry, and for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. ... Thank you M'am is his most famous short story. Hughes was one of the few black authors to champion racial consciousness as a ...Langston Hughes. James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1901 [1] – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, novelist, playwright and short story writer. Hughes was one of the writers and artists whose work was called the Harlem Renaissance . Hughes grew up as a poor boy from Missouri, the descendant of African people who had been taken to ... Langston Hughes, American writer who was an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance and who vividly depicted the African American experience through his writings, which ranged from poetry and plays to novels and newspaper columns. Learn more about Hughes’s life and work.Dec 13, 2019 · A poem about the life of a poor boy, included in Hughes’s debut poetry collection, The Weary Blues, and in The Dream Keeper, “ Po’Boy Blues ”—like a lot of the poet’s work—was written in a lyrical form. And as your eye bounces from line to line, you can almost hear the harmonica in your head. Sunshine seemed like gold. Pen Name: Langston Hughes. Born: February 1, 1902. Died: May 22, 1967. Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967) is best known for the literary art form of jazz poetry, and for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. Langston Hughes, was raised mainly by his maternal grandmother ... James Langston Hughes [1902-1967] was born in Joplin, Missouri, USA, the great-great-grandson of Charles Henry Langston (brother of John Mercer Langston, the first Black American to be elected to public office). He attended Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he began writing poetry in the eighth grade.Langston Hughes was an African-American poet, playwright, novelist, and columnist born on 1 February 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes viewed his writing in the context of the …Oct 29, 2009 · Famous artists include Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston and Aaron Douglas. ... white author and Harlem writers’ patron Carl Van Vechten and filled with works from prolific Black writers ... Chapter 7 - Langston Hughes's Famous Books, Ebony Magazine, and the Politics of Civil Rights in Biographies for the Young. pp 72-82 · By Katharine Capshaw · You ...May 2, 2020 · Langston Hughes and Claude McKay were the leading black poets of the Harlem Renaissance. Since the movement, black poetry has been on a rise and a number of black poets of the 20th century are among the best known poets in the world. Among the poets currently active, Nikki Giovanni is perhaps the most famous African American poet. Harlem Renaissance leader, poet, activist, novelist and playwright Langston Hughes died May 22, 1967. We’re remembering Hughes with a look at 10 key facts about his life and career. 1.…Oct 20, 2023 · Got the Weary Blues. And can’t be satisfied—. I ain’t happy no mo’. And I wish that I had died.”. And far into the night he crooned that tune. The stars went out and so did the moon. The singer stopped playing and went to bed. While the Weary Blues echoed through his head. He slept like a rock or a man that’s dead.James Mercer Langston Hughes' poetry—joyful, celebratory, cutting, filled with deep longing, playful jabs, bittersweet images, and earnest affirmations—is pre-eminently African American poetry. ... a legacy that seems to have inspired in the poet a fierce hope for the country's future that he expresses in that famous response to Whitman ...Biography: Langston Hughes. James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry. Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Sep 25, 2019 · Hughes eventually titled this book Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951). In addition to “Harlem,” Montage contains several of Hughes’s most well-known poems, including “Ballad of the Landlord” and “Theme for English B.”. But the sum is greater than the parts. In all, Montage is made up of more than 90 poems across six sections that ... Langston Hughes was an African-American poet, playwright, novelist, and columnist born on 1 February 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes viewed his writing in the context of the …James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1901 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He famously wrote about the period that "the ... James Mercer Langston Hughes was born on the 1 st of February, 1902 in Joplin Missouri, United States. He was an American poet, novelist, social activist, playwright, and columnist. He studied at Colombia University and Lincoln University. The interesting part of his life is that he never married and thus had no children.5. ‘ The Negro Speaks of Rivers ’. One of Hughes’ most popular and best-known poems, this very short poem is something of a brief history of black culture from ancient times to the present. Hughes was extraordinarily precocious, and wrote it when he was still a teenager. One day, as Hughes was travelling on a train that crossed over the ...Hold fast to dreams · “Dreams” (1929) · Langston Hughes (1902–67) · Proclaimed in his time as the Poet Laureate of Harlem, Hughes chronicled black life in a ...Hughes wrote “Harlem” in 1951 with the values he laid in his essay that he wrote 30 years ago. Even though the poem was written as a part of a long poem, the poem has inspired many well-known writers that come after Langston Hughes. The poem is the source of the title of the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, written in 1959.A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.Oct 16, 2023 · Hughes became a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1961. In 1973, an award was named after him, the "Langston Hughes Medal", awarded by the City College of New York. Hughes became a famous American poet, but he was always ready to help other people, particularly young black writers. Among the notable writers were Claude McKay, author of Home to Harlem (1928); Langston Hughes, known as “the poet laureate of Harlem”; and Zora Neale Hurston, who celebrated Black culture of the rural South. Actor Paul Robeson, jazz musician Duke Ellington, and dancer and singer Josephine Baker were leading entertainers.The Works of Langston Hughes. I live here, too. Just as you." Since 1995, Rhode Islanders have come together each February to read and celebrate the life of one of America's finest poets and writers, Langston Hughes (1902-1967). Made possible through a grant from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent state affiliate of the ... Increase your understanding of “Theme for English B” by learning more about Langston Hughes, the poem's historical and literary context, and other literary works on SparkNotes that are related to it. From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations of famous quotes, the SparkNotes Theme for English B Study Guide has everything ...“Salvation” is a short personal narrative from Langston Hughes’ childhood about the struggle to reconcile adult concepts with a childish mind. “Salvation” is excerpted from Langston Hughes’ autobiography as an example of an incident that in...In his collection of poems entitled Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951) Langston Hughes observed and gave an original restitution of the historic evolution ...By Langston Hughes. I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.Missouri-born Langston Hughes used his poetry, novels, plays, and essays to champion his people and voice his concerns about race and social justice. He was a ...A well-known poet, Langston Hughes was also famous for writing plays, novels, essays, newspapers columns and short stories. He was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement that flourished in the 1920s within African American communities in the North and Midwest regions of the United States.02-Sept-2023 ... Active in the twentieth century, James Mercer Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967) was an African American writer most renowned for his poetry and ...Similar Poetry. Readers who enjoyed ‘I Dream A World’ should also consider reading other Langston Hughes poems.For example: ‘ Harlem (A Dream Deferred) ’ – written in response to what he felt as a black man navigating a career and personal life in a white-dominated world. ‘ Beale Street Love ’ – a short, powerful poem that speaks on the nature of love on …
5. ‘ The Negro Speaks of Rivers ’. One of Hughes’ most popular and best-known poems, this very short poem is something of a brief history of black culture from ancient times to the present. Hughes was extraordinarily precocious, and wrote it when he was still a teenager. One day, as Hughes was travelling on a train that crossed over the .... Kuprint
May 20, 2023 · Out of love, No regrets – Though the return Be never.”. Langston Hughes. “Sometimes a crumb falls From the tables of joy, Sometimes a bone Is flung. To some people Love is given, To others Only heaven.”. Langston Hughes. “Gather up In the arms of your love —Those who expect No love from above.”. Langston Hughes.18-Feb-2021 ... One hundred years ago Langston Hughes published his now-famous first poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” In the decades that followed, ...Oct 6, 2022 · Learning Langston Hughes facts can open the door to learning more about poetry, travel, and history. Dig deeper into his life and influence here. Langston Hughes — known early in his career as “Poet Laureate of the Negro Race” and, now, as the preeminent poet of the Harlem Renaissance — was born James Mercer Langston Hughes in Joplin, Missouri to Carrie Langston and Charles Hughes. Recent revelations from historical African American weekly newspapers strongly suggest his birth ... Active in the twentieth century, James Mercer Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967) was an African American writer most renowned for his poetry and for being the leading figure of the movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes was one of the early innovators of the genre of poetry known as Jazz Poetry, which demonstrates jazz like rhythms. Many ...While searching our database we found 1 possible solution for the: Ballroom that Langston Hughes said was "the Heartbeat of Harlem" crossword clue. This crossword clue was last seen on October 21 2023 Wall Street Journal Crossword puzzle.The solution we have for Ballroom that Langston Hughes said was "the Heartbeat of Harlem" has a total of 5 letters.Among the notable writers were Claude McKay, author of Home to Harlem (1928); Langston Hughes, known as “the poet laureate of Harlem”; and Zora Neale Hurston, who celebrated Black culture of the rural South. Actor Paul Robeson, jazz musician Duke Ellington, and dancer and singer Josephine Baker were leading entertainers.A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.In 1927, Hughes received the Palms magazine Intercollegiate Poetry Award. Langston Hughes received a scholarship to Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts(B.A.) degree in 1929. Are Langston Hughes poems in the public domain? The work of Langston Hughes is in the public domain if you want …A poet, novelist, fiction writer, and playwright, Langston Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties and was important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance.The Works of Langston Hughes. I live here, too. Just as you." Since 1995, Rhode Islanders have come together each February to read and celebrate the life of one of America's finest poets and writers, Langston Hughes (1902-1967). Made possible through a grant from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent state affiliate of the ...Biography: Langston Hughes. James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry. Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance..