Langston Hughes

By mayasegal

  • Birth

  • Raised

    Hughes was raised by his grandmother until he was 13 then moved to Lincoln, Illionis, to live with his mother and her husband.

  • Began writing

    While Hughes lived in Lincoln, he started writing poetry

  • First started

    One of his teachers actually introduced him to the works of Carl Sanburg and Walt Whitman. Hughes was also and regular contributor to his school's literary magazines. He frequently submitted work to potry magazines but was ultimatly rejected.

  • Other Jobs

    While at Columbia University in New York, Hughes worked as an assisstant cook, launderer, and busboy. He also traveled to Africa and Europe working as a seaman.
  • First Poem Published

    First Poem Published

    His poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, is published in the NAACP journal, Crisis.
  • First Poetry Book Published

    First Poetry Book Published

    Hughes' first poetry book, The Weary Blues, was published by Alfred A Knopf
  • First Novel Wins A Medal

    First Novel Wins A Medal

    His first novel, Not Without Laughter, published again by Alfred A. Knopf, won the Harmon gold medal for literature.

  • Influences

    He claimed his primary influences were Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, and Walt Whitman.

  • Influence of Jazz

  • Death