Langston Hughes
1901–1967 · American (Joplin, Missouri / Harlem) · Harlem Renaissance
Known for: Poet laureate of the Harlem Renaissance—'The Negro Speaks of Rivers,' 'Harlem,' The Weary Blues
Langston Hughes was the first African American to support himself solely through writing. He was warm, generous, politically radical, and tirelessly productive—writing poetry, novels, plays, children's books, and a newspaper column. He incorporated jazz and blues rhythms into his poetry.
He traveled to the Soviet Union, supported leftist causes, and was investigated by Senator McCarthy. He was likely gay but never publicly acknowledged it. He lived in Harlem for decades and was its most devoted literary champion.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.