Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes (1902-1967), full name James Mercer Langston Hughes, was a US writer, poet, playwright, anthologist, translator and editor. He also wrote short stories, radio and television scripts, and lyrics for over forty popular songs. This leading figure in "Black Renaissance" in American literature worked as war correspondent during Spanish Civil War. Langston is also known for strong socio-political protests and civil right activism.

Wisdom & Quotes

• I swear to the Lord

I still can't see
Why democracy means
Everybody but me.
- The Black Man Speaks, Jim Crow's Last Stand

• What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
... Or does it explode?
- Harlem

• O sweep of stars over Harlem streets,

O little breath of oblivion that is night.
A city building to a mother's song,
A city dreaming to a lullaby.
- Stars in From My People

• Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
- Hold Fast to Dreams

• The section of the niggers where a nickel costs a dime.
• Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it.
• When poems stop talking about the moon and begin -o mention poverty, trade unions, colour, colour lines and colonies, somebody tells the police.

- My Adventures as a Social Poet

• Because my mouth

Is wide with laughter,
You do not hear
My inner cry?
Because my feet
Are gay with dancing,
You do not know
I die?
- In Love with Harlem, Freedomways

Jayprakash Narayan