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Birth
James Langston Hughes born on February 1 in Joplin, Missouri, second child of Carrie Langston Hughes and James Hughes. -
Period: to
Early Childhood
Langston's parents separate and he is bounced around staying with multiple friends and family members....Mostly he stays with his grandmother. -
Moves to Lincoln
Langston moves to Lincoln, Illinois to stay with his newly remarried parents -
Family Moves to Cleveland
Langston Hughes graduates from primary school and is elected class poet. Soon after, his family settles in Cleveland, Ohio. -
Graduates from High School
Langston Hughes graduates from high school in Cleveland and moves to Mexico to be with his father. On the train to see him, Hughes pens the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." While Hughes is in Mexico, Hughes's father agrees to fund his education at Columbia University, on the grounds that Hughes study engineering in college. -
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
"The Negro speaks of Rivers" is published in the NAACP journal "Crisis" -
Hughes Leaves Columbia
Though Hughes loves the vibrant arts and social scene in Harlem, he is disappointed by the racial discrimination he encounters in college. Hughes leaves Columbia University after just one year. -
S.S. Malone
Hughes gets a job aboard the S.S. Malone and, for six months, travels by freighter to West Africa and Europe. He works briefly as a cook in Paris. -
Hughes Is Discovered
Hughes moves to Washington, D.C. While bussing tables at the Wardman Park Hotel, Hughes notices the poet Vachel Lindsay dining in the restaurant and slips some of his poems on Lindsay's table. Lindsay puts the young poet in touch with editors at Knopf. -
The Weary Blues
Hughes's first book, a poetry collection entitled The Weary Blues, is published by Alfred A. Knopf publishing house. -
Fine Clothes to the Jew
Hughes's second poetry collection, Fine Clothes to the Jew, is published. -
B.A. Degree
Hughes recieves a B.A. degree from Howard University -
Novel
Hughes publishes his novel, Not Without Laughter, The Dream Keeper and Other Poems -
Father dies
The Ways of White Folks, Hughes' first short story collection, is published. This same year, his father passes away -
Harlem Suitcase theater
Hughes establishes the Harlem Suitcase Theater, a showcase for black American drama in New York City -
Langston Hughes dies
Langston Hughes dies of complications from prostate cancer. The New York City Preservation Commission later makes his home at 20 East 127th Street a city landmark.