Biography
Langston Hughes was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York. Born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri, James Mercer Langston Hughes grew up in a racially diverse and culturally rich environment.
Hughes' parents, Carrie Langston and James Nathaniel Hughes, separated shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston, in Lawrence, Kansas. His grandmother played a crucial role in shaping his early life and instilling in him a love for literature and learning.
Langston Hughes began writing poetry in high school, and his talent was recognized by his teachers. In 1921, he enrolled at Columbia University in New York City but left after a year, disillusioned with the racial prejudices he encountered. He held various jobs to support himself while immersing himself in the vibrant cultural scene of Harlem.
The 1920s saw the rise of the
Hughes' parents, Carrie Langston and James Nathaniel Hughes, separated shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston, in Lawrence, Kansas. His grandmother played a crucial role in shaping his early life and instilling in him a love for literature and learning.
Langston Hughes began writing poetry in high school, and his talent was recognized by his teachers. In 1921, he enrolled at Columbia University in New York City but left after a year, disillusioned with the racial prejudices he encountered. He held various jobs to support himself while immersing himself in the vibrant cultural scene of Harlem.
The 1920s saw the rise of the
Birth — 1902
Death — 1967
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