Hughes, Langston (1902–1967)

American poet, novelist, and playwright, Hughes was one of the first people to incorporate jazz rhythms and dialect to depict the life of urban blacks. He a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance and associated with all of the prominent figures of Harlem’s golden era. He had a prolific literary career, beginning with his first book of poetry The Weary Blues (1926). He used his poetry and his reputation to depict African American culture and work for civil rights through an Afro-centric message.