Langston Hughes

A portrait of poet, author, playwright and Harlem Renaissance leader Langston Hughes, New York, New York, February 1959.

Smithsonian historian David Ward reflects on the work of Langston Hughes

Hilton Als writes on Langston Hughes and the poet’s reluctance to reveal himself.

This rare photo from 1933 shows a very dapper Langston Hughes posing glamorously. Consuelo Kanaga captured the Harlem Renaissance artist in this closeup which looks almost like a fashion editorial. Most portraits of Hughes are at a distance and were often more formal in his early years. There is definitely something about black and white film that captures a certain mood and this photo is a prime example. With that said, It was time to rework the blog into a cleaner format as is fashionable…

a Langston Hughes poem about a woman having great strength, light, loveliness, and power.

The groundbreaking work of these artists and activists needs to be celebrated.

Langston Hughes

Hughes was one of the first black authors, who could support himself by his writings.

Poem for Tuesday September 12th. Final Curve by Langston Hughes. | Instagram