February 9: Langston Hughes
A Daily Journey Through Black History Month
From Poetry to Activism: A Voice for the People
Story
On February 9, 1902, Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. As a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes used poetry, plays, and essays to highlight the beauty of Black life and confront racial injustices. His work The Weary Blues (1926) blended jazz rhythms with poetry, mirroring the musicality of Harlem’s streets.
Hughes not only wrote poetry—he also created Simple, a fictional everyman who appeared in a series of satirical short stories. Jesse B. Semple (nicknamed “Simple”) was a working-class Harlem resident whose humorous yet sharp observations on race, politics, and everyday struggles resonated with readers. Through Simple, Hughes delivered profound social commentary in a way that was both accessible and thought-provoking.
Unlike many poets of his time, Hughes drew inspiration from everyday Black experiences, capturing their struggles and dreams. His work celebrated resilience and pride, advocating for equality through art. Hughes’s writing was deeply influenced by the rhythms of jazz and blues, which he saw as the heartbeat of Black America.
Hughes also inspired future generations, including artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Amiri Baraka. His belief that Black culture should be embraced—not assimilated—remains a defining pillar of African-American literature. Even today, his voice echoes in the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Key Quotes
- “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”
- “I, too, am America.”
- “An artist must be free to choose what he does, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.”
- “I swear to the Lord I still can’t see why democracy means everybody but me.”
Cultural Significance
- Hughes’s works are a cornerstone of African-American literature and culture.
- His writings were a powerful critique of racism and inequality in America.
- Hughes was a pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance, using poetry to reflect the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans.
- His Simple stories made political and racial discussions accessible to everyday people, using humor and wit.
- His work bridged the gap between jazz, blues, and literature, capturing the essence of Black life through rhythm and storytelling.
- His poetry remains essential in discussions about racial justice, civil rights, and Black identity.
Fun Facts
Langston Hughes wrote over 60 books, including poetry, novels, and children’s literature, during his career. He worked as a busboy in a Washington, D.C., hotel where he famously slipped three of his poems to poet Vachel Lindsay, who helped launch his literary career.
Trivia Challenge
Question: What was the nickname of Langston Hughes’s iconic fictional character?
(A) Smile • (B) Simple • (C) Shorty • (D) Sunny
Multimedia
READ: ROUTES FEATURE: Langston Hughes’ Tales of Simple: “Coffee Break”
WATCH: Langston Hughes Speaking at UCLA 2/16/1967
🎵 LISTEN TO/WATCH: JAZZIZ Essentials: The Jazz Poetry of Langston Hughes
📽️ WATCH: I Remember Harlem- Full Documentary/Movie
📚 READ: Hughes’s Simple stories:
February 8’s Trivia Answer: (C) He fired a gun in the air.
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Langston Hughes’s words still inspire 👏🏼👏🏼
my answer is letter B “simple”