Langston Hughes

HERO! Usually the first thought that radiates in my mind would be superman, but heroes are characterized based on the noble qualities they display during memorable events. Langston Hughes one of the most inspirational figures during the course of the Harlem Renaissance, can be considered a hero- and is my hero! During the most crucial time in history, Langston Hughes was able to rise to the occasion and ignore discrimination with brutality. Not only did he address his community, he instead addressed the world trying to make a difference by crafting his poems, supplementing them to speak the words of others. Langston Hughes accomplished what others could not and that's why I view him as an outstanding model who contributed to black history.

When Langston Hughes died in 1967 he was not forgotten, his accomplishments established and symbolized his work efforts as an African American. During the Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes emerged as a black African American poet who strived to fulfill his dreams. In the 1920's African Americans receiving awards was close to impossible, but that didn't derail the accomplishments of Langston Hughes. As Hughes pursued his writing career he was awarded "The Spring Man Medal Award" from the NAACP. This award was given to him because of the strong influence that he portrayed and embedded in his poems. Hughes was also acknowledged during his time in Harlem, and was referred as "Harlem's Poet" because of his ability to communicate with everyone he encountered no matter the circumstance.

The trail Hughes left in the duration of the Harlem Renaissance was momentous and it erased the stereotypes that held the black generation down. Although his death led him to an abrupt stop in his career his dreams as an African American still paved the path for many black African Americans. One of Langston's, "finest essays appeared in the Nation in 1926, entitled 'The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain.' It spoke of Black writers and poets, who would surrender racial pride in the name of a false integration."(Jackson) This expresses the influence Langston had on black culture, and the method he took to inspire other blacks to contribute during this movement. Langston's poetry touched the heart of black Americans, but most importantly it touched all Americans.

Langston's dreams did not only hit black culture instead he targeted all racial groups in America, which eventually characterized him as an influential leader. In the book, "Langston Hughes Great American Poet" Hughes was considered, "Harlem's Poet. But Langston Hughes belonged to all Americans. He wanted them to keep working for the better world he dreamed about." Langston wanted to be viewed as a leader who hit the world with a bang. Black culture was not in Hughes' mind when he wrote his poems instead it was the culture of the world which labeled him as a leader.

Though Langston Hughes did not assume the role of a hero, in duration of his life he was a hero and will always be known as a hero because of his efforts. Positioning yourself in a place that rejects your thoughts and words, is a challenge, Langston Hughes ignored that statement and instead looked at the challenge as another wall he would climb over. Hughes never wanted to be normal he always looked ahead despite the troubles that were in his face. Even today I could hear Langston's words ringing in my ear calling for attention.