North Senior Academy celebrates the work of . . .

James Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes African American poet, novelist, short story writer, playwright, song lyricist, translator, author of books for young people, and lecturer

Langston Hughes Born in Joplin, Missouri - February 1, 1902 Raised by grandmother, Mary Langston in Lawrence, Kansas Family belonged to an Abolitionist group, which fought for the rights of African Americans during the early 20th c. First recognized as an important literary figure during the 1920s period known as the "Harlem Renaissance"

Langston Hughes In his early years - worked as assistant cook, launderer, busboy and other odd jobs; worked as a sailor on voyages to Africa and Europe Lived at various times in Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, and the Soviet Union During the Great Depression, Hughes became involved in radical politics, eventually joining the American Communist Party.

Langston Hughes 1902–1967

Langston Hughes Langston Hughes’ work was influenced and shaped by the joys, struggles and triumphs of poor Black families

Hughes was from humble origins -- he developed a real love and admiration for poor African Americans in society whom he called, “low-down folks”

Harlem Renaissance Hughes’ career took off in the 1920s during the Harlem Renaissance in New York – where suddenly, there came an explosion of African-American art, music, poetry and writing that was widely respected and appreciated by diverse audiences

Harlem Renaissance During this time, jazz evolved and permeated into almost every aspect of art and daily life in Harlem People from far and wide came to visit art exhibits, dance to music, and listen to poetry readings

Harlem Renaissance People began listening to what artists - like Langston Hughes - had to say at this time Black artists used their work to convey their feelings about politics and social injustice

Langston Hughes

Afro-American Fragment

Afro-American Fragment So long, So far away Is Africa.

Afro-American Fragment Not even memories alive Save those that history books create, Save those that songs Beat back into the blood-- Beat out of blood with words sad-sung In strange un-Negro tongue--

Afro-American Fragment So long, So far away Is Africa.

Afro-American Fragment Subdued and time-lost Are the drums--and yet Through some vast mist of race There comes this song

Afro-American Fragment I do not understand. This song of atavistic land, Of bitter yearnings lost Without a place --

Afro-American Fragment So long, So far away Is Africa’s Dark face.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Negro Speaks of Rivers 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.

The Negro Speaks of 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 Negro Speaks of Rivers I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers I've known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Refugee in America

Refugee in America There are words like Freedom Sweet and wonderful to say. On my heart-strings freedom sings All day everyday.

Refugee in America There are words like Liberty That almost make me cry. If you had known what I knew You would know why.

No Regrets

No Regrets Out of love, No regrets -- Though the goodness Be wasted forever.

No Regrets Out of love, No regrets -- Though the return Be never.

Langston Hughes