Langston Hughes
Sometime in the 1920's someone heard Langston Hughes talking about the Harlem Renaissance; he said that Harlem is "not so much a place as a state of mind, the cultural metaphor for black America itself." The Harlem Renaissance was a rebirth and time of change for the African American identity. New literature, poetry, music and political thought was developed during this time.
Mr. Hughes was one of the main contributors to the flourishing of African-American literature and art centered in the Harlem section of New York City. This movement sought to create and embellish an identity for blacks unique from the broader American culture.
Read the beautiful poem below written by Mr. Hughes. I chose this poem because I love the images it makes me see. I also like how empowering and political it is; everyone can relate to having a dream come true or have it never happen. Mr. Hughes encourages African Americans to realize their dreams during the Harlem Renaissance!
"A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
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