
James Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was an influential American poet, novelist, and social activist known for capturing the African American experience. Born in 1902, he used his writing to explore themes of racial identity, inequality, and hope. Hughes was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement celebrating Black culture and arts in the 1920s. His poetry often combined jazz rhythms and accessible language to connect with a wide audience, inspiring social change and pride. Hughes remains celebrated for his impactful work that emphasized dignity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.