Harlem Man
Bryan Martinez
3rd period
Mrs.Breaux
American literature
5-10-74
Harlem man
“I speak in the name of the black millions/Awakening to action/Let all others keep silent a moment/I have this word to bring/This thing I say/This song to sing/Bitter was the day/When I bowed my back/Beneath the slaver’s whip./That day is past.”(Arnold, 3) Langston Hughes is one of the most powerful poets of all time, his works touched several lives across the nation. Hughes was extremely proud of his heritage and skin color and reflected his emotions onto paper. Hughes’ works related to the struggles and tribulations of the average African American in his time period. Armed with only paper and a pen, Langston inspired a movement of black men and women to persevere through their trials and tribulations. Without any form of motivation many of Hughes’ works and master pieces would not even exist and therefore the presence of many significant events would be nonexistent. The primary aspect of the inspiration for Langston Hughes’ mission, motives, and writings was the Harlem renaissance.
Langston Hughes’ motivation for his writings came primarily from the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote about the pain that African Americans had to endure and fight through each and every day. (Davis, 2) Langston was raised during the time period of the process of the Harlem Renaissance which celebrated black culture. This was a period of time when many African American poets and musicians unveiled their artistic abilities to the world. Hughes claims that his roots and family culture are derived from the Harlem Renaissance. (Rampersad, 4) In several of his works he promotes Equality between white and black people, a balance and friendship for each other. Hughes also condemned racism and injustice for African Americans, he despised the unjust racism that blacks had to endure and face. Without the Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes would have had no inspiration to create his poems and masterpieces.
Hughes’ story “The Negro Artist And The Racial Mountain’ is a great work that displays his Harlem Renaissance experiences. In this story he addresses racial matters going on within his nation and with his people. It discusses black culture, and the traditions that African Americans accept in their lives. (Reuben, 6) He also discusses the present situation with the racism and segregation between blacks and whites. “The Negro Artist And The Racial Mountain” is one of Hughes’ most famous stories. (Rowen, 5) Without this story there is no doubt that the writings of Hughes would have had less impact upon the nation. Langston inspired many other African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance through his writings.
Hughes’ experiences in Harlem shaped him into what he is known for today. He is known for being a famous, African American poet shaped the future for equality. Langston gave the world a vision and dream through his eyes of the future of Harlem Renaissance. Langston gave inspiration and motivation for younger, novice writers during the Harlem Renaissance. He also wrote children’s books so children could fully comprehend the Harlem Renaissance in their state of mind. (Arthur, 3) Langston also wrote several plays based on African Americans to inspire a nation struggling for unity. (Rowen, 7) The experiences that Hughes encountered during the Harlem Renaissance shaped him into the man that he became.
Hughes’ was harassed and taunted during the Harlem Renaissance but still was unashamed to be black and proved it through his works. His poem My People demonstrates his will and power to endure the trials that were thrown at his race. (Gates, 2) He used this hate to motivate his hunger for world unity between races and people. The Harlem Renaissance was a rough time for all blacks, but Hughes managed to create masterpieces through his writings. In these writings and poems he confronts racial stereotypes that he experienced when he lived in Harlem. (Arnold, 5) Hughes said that he set out to establish better conditions for his African American people and to prove their competence.
Hughes’ works were heavily influenced by the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote much on the injustice and racist treatment toward African Americans. Hughes became very famous for his inspiring writings, and is remembered today for his valiant courage and voice. During the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes’ was raised and grew to understand the aspects of this movement. He wrote many great stories and poems about African Americans and their culture. Langston Hughes also promoted equality and fought for better conditions for African Americans with his words. Without Langston Hughes, many African Americans from that time wouldn’t have grasped the strength to pull through. Without a doubt Langston Hughes was the definition of the Harlem Renaissance.
