POET PROFILE

JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES (1902-1967)

Known as the Poet Laureate of Black people, Langston Hughes has lived up to the title, penning over 800 poems depicting the Black experience in America. He was the first Black person to earn a living solely from  his writing, (poems, plays, essays, novels, etc), and public lectures. 

His early works, during the 1920's  was not well received by "Negro" intellectuals, but Langston, undaunted, blazed a trail that eventually earned him international acclaim as a poet, writer, and spokesperson for Black people. His star emerged during the Harlem Renaissance and continued to rise until his death in 1967.

 Langston Hughes ranks as one of the greatest American poets of the 20th century.     

***For a bio of Langston Hughes, and a sample of his poetry and essays, click on the link poets.org and search his name.