Selected Poems of Langston Hughes Study Guide

Langston Hughes (1902 - 1964) was an African-American poet, essayist and social activist. He is arguably one of the most well-known American poets of the 20th century. Hughes, along with other black artists and intellectuals, is best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. This period in American social and cultural history is known as such because during the "Roaring 20s" and the "Jazz Age" of the 1930s that followed, Harlem became a Mecca for new ideas and a new creativity among blacks which garnered the attention of the entire world. At this time, there was an explosive resurgence in creativity and vitality within the African-American community which produced not only some of the most influential literature, dance, and visual art in American history, but which served as a testament to an exciting reawakening of the African American culture and overall spirit of cultural pride and awareness. (read more)