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On February 1, 1901, American poet Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri

February 1

|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 1 of February, repeating indefinitely

On February 1, 1901, American poet Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes was a leading light of the Harlem Renaissance and his short stories, poems, and novels about the Black American experience are still well read today, including “I, Too,” “The Weary Blues,” and “Mother to Son.”

Did you know? Part of Hughes’ popularity was his wide appeal to the common man. His work was clear, sometimes humorous, and reflected the everyday experiences and hopes of Black Americans. This popularity led Hughes to become the first Black American to earn a living on writing and lectures alone.

 

 

Langston Hughes, Underwood & Underwood, 1925

-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer

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February 1
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