Langston Hughes (1902-1967) is best known for leading the Harlem Renaissance, the great art movement in that led to the rise jazz and blues music that is so iconic of early 20th Century American culture.
Hughes was a creative and socially minded individual, whose legacy includes social activism in addition to a collection of poetry, plays, and novels. He was vocal on many political issues, including the involvement of African-Americans in the United States armed forces. His writings reflected his belief that Communism promised a solution to America’s segregated society.
A selection of Hughes’ writings are on display on the first floor of the JKM Library.