"Each human being must live within his time, with and for his people, and within the boundaries of his country."

The Harlem Renaissance is the period from the end of World War I and through the middle of the 1930s Depression. This cultural movement rose in Harlem, New York, before known as the “New Negro Movement,” It is the time where a group of talented African American writers were introduced to literature through drama, essay, poetry, fiction, and many other forms of artistic expression. African Americans made many accomplishments in literature during the Harlem Renaissance.

            A major factor leading to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the migration of African Americans to the northern cities. Between 1919 and 1926, large numbers of African Americans left their rural southern state homes to move to urban cities such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C. The Harlem Renaissance was more than just a literary movement; it was an expression of African Americans and their heritage. It included the music, jazz and blues, paintings, “the back to Africa” movement led by Marcus Garvey, and racial integration.

            Many people may believe that Langston Hughes was the source to African Americans opinion being heard, which is not the case. "Hughes wrote a fundamentally new kind of verse -- one that told of the joys and sorrows, the trials and triumphs of ordinary black folk, in the language of their typical speech and composed out of a genuine love of these people."(3) Langston Hughes’ work is known for its “colorful verses on a wide variety of topics.” (2) In his poetry every word should be taken into consideration. His poems may be very short but they go into depth and his words are very expressive.

Through his writings he made many contributions to following generations by writing about African American issues. Today, Hughes still maintains a presence in literature and English studies. His work is able to allow each reader to see his talent and to understand the time period in which he made many accomplishments. His art was firmly rooted in race pride and race feeling even as he cherished his freedom as an artist.(1) Langston Hughes has remained an important figure in literature that is very well valued today.

                                          

1. Arnold Rampersad, "Hughes' Life and Career," http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/hughes/life.htm, 25 April 2011

2. Hill, Christine M. Langston Hughes: Poet of the Harlem Renaissance. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc, 1997.

3. "Teaching Multicultural Literature . Workshop 6 . Authors and LiteraryWorks . Biography." Learner.org. Web. 26 Apr. 2011. <http://www.learner.org/workshops/tml/workshop6/authors.html>.