Groovy by Conner

Groovy by Conner - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

What makes a good dinner guest? At times, it’s their good looks, and others it’s their charm. However, I contest the best attribute for any guest of the evening is the ability to tell an amazing story and entertain, and one man in particular comes to mind: Mr. Langston Hughes.

A Harlem Renaissance Legend, Langston Hughes’ ink flowed from his pen like smooth notes of New Orleans Jazz dripped out of his Saxophone. Initially, “James Mercer Langston Hughes,” Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1st, 1901. After high school, Hughes attended the prestigious Columbia University in New York, New York. During his time there, he worked numerous odd jobs, notably one as a seaman, which allowed him to visit places like Africa and Europe (Academy of American Poets, “Poet: Langston Hughes”). Much of Hughes’ writing stems from a period in American history known as the, “Harlem Renaissance,” described as, “a blossoming (c. 1918–37) of African American culture, particularly in the creative arts, and the most influential movement in African American literary history.” (Hutchinson, “Harlem Renaissance | American Literature and Art.”) The hardships of African Americans at this time eventually fueled the uplifting and inspirational undertone found in many of Hughes’ poems. Americans embraced Hughes’ works so much so that they became the calling card of the vibrant spirit of Africana in America.

Seen as a pillar of the era, Hughes’ work is most often associated with the Harlem Renaissance (and adjacently the Black Power movement). During these movements, the overall social experience of the Negro body was a more prosperous one. Literacy rates skyrocketing, national organizations like the NAACP being founded, and the creation of socio-economic opportunities all contributed to a polarization of pan-African sensibilities and pride. (Hutchinson) The view of the new, enlightened Negro was taken on all across the country by African Americans, and in turn spurred a large vocalization of musicians and artists to express their newfound pride. Such expressions ranged anywhere from the paintings of Jacob Lawrence to the soulful groove of Louis Armstrong, and all other art forms in between. A member of that widespread expression was Langston Hughes. Much of his work can be seen as a reflection of the overflowing happiness during this period, and often times is seen as an embodiment of the era.

Hughes presented the mindset that, while life is full of trials and tribulations, little can stop someone confident in their right to happiness. While the Negro community has experienced horrible injustices through slavery and the Jim Crow south, it is still a blessing to be black, for their culture is as rich and beautiful as any other. This was the sentiment adopted during the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes writing embodied this belief, and Negro audiences in the Harlem Renaissance praised his style greatly, for they saw themselves develop emotionally in the same way the speaker does throughout the poem. (Nguyen) It was through this kind of prevailing strength that made Hughes into the revered poet he is today.

Hughes found himself in the midst of a cultural revolution, and used his ability to critically reflect and contextualize in simple sentences to inject himself into the hall of literary legends. His contributions to the Harlem Renaissance were fundamental in the furthering of black pride and acceptance, and that movement essentially ushered in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. Considering this connection, it can be concluded Hughes played a massively important role in fueling a diverse and America thereafter.

While all works of literature are open to interpretation and critique, Hughes’ writings certainly not being exempt, it is untenable to say his work hasn’t left a massive imprint on African American history, and he wouldn’t make quite the dinner date.

Works Cited

Academy Of American Poets. "Life Is Fine." Life Is Fine by Langston Hughes. Academy of American Poets, Mar. 1994. Web. 25 Oct. 2015.

Nguyen, M. Phuong. "Poetry Analysis- Life Is Fine by Langston Hughes." Grandie's Den. Grandie's Den, 02 June 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.

"(James) Langston Hughes." Contemporary Authors Online. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Literature Resource Center. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.

Academy of American Poets. "Poet: Langston Hughes." Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, Oct. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.

Hutchinson, George. "Harlem Renaissance | American Literature and Art." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sept. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.