Gilbert du Motier

During my research, it was discovered that the method to deliver hidden messages was not only done by musicians, but writers as well. Some writers were part of an esotericism group, which means these set of people have a special knowledge of coding in their art. Among these esoteric groups of Harlem Renaissance writers, one of the most important of which is James Mercer Langston Hughes. Hughes was American poet, columnist, novelist, playwright, and a social activist. Even more, he was the…

In this section, Du Bois described that life in America in general for African Americans was not easy. He believed in change starting with yourself. His plan was to the struggle black equality for abolishment of racism to the people who wanted to “separate black nation” He wanted the blacks to recognize themselves as “a nation within a nation” He didn’t want them to look for white people help to change. He wanted the blacks to see themselves as a nation who can work their way up. For example, he…

Both Du Bois and Washington agree that there is nothing inherently different between blacks and whites. Washington notes in The Future of the American Negro that “The Negro is behind the white man because he has not had the same chance, and not from any inherent difference in his nature and desires” (27). Du Bois regards a similar mentality in his essay on art “Criteria of Negro Art” expounding that “art coming from black folk is going to be just as beautiful … as the art that comes from white…

The majority of the population assumes that the Harlem Renaissance was a period in which racial prejudice and segregation was tolerated. As some discriminatory activity did occur, several African Americans did not endure the same physical abuse from the caucasian race as before. This era originated the period in which African-American achievements in art, music, and literature flourished. As the diversity in the United States continued to expand, more and more African Americans were living…

In the short story “Salvation” Langston Hughes describes his traumatizing experience at a religious revival as a twelve-year-old boy. The revival was a popular event that occurred in town for ongoing days and one his Aunt Reed had attended every night. On the final day of the event, the children of worshippers were invited to the congregation to receive salvation from Christ. Before the event, Aunt Reed had explained to young Langston that once he became saved he would see a light, meaning Jesus…

Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” from 1925 reflects on the humiliation African Americans were tired of experiencing during the Harlem Renaissance; however, Hughes also ignites hope by looking forward towards a better future, free of this oppression. Hughes begins with a blunt proclamation of inclusion for patriotism, “I, too, sing America” (1090). He, as well as the rest of blacks, is an American who can sing along to a patriotic tune, regardless of the national prejudice. However, within the next…

Salvation Twentieth century poet/writer Langston Hughes shares the account of a boy who deceives others in church about his having been saved by Jesus. All children are meant to rise upon their seeing of The Lord, but the boy who does not truly witness the event, rises as a way to escape the pressure. This account, entitled “Salvation,” comes from Hughes’s autobiography The Big Sea, signifying the boy to be a young Langston Hughes. The story denies condemnation of Langston for his deceit by…

Booker T. and W.E.B Dubois inspiration people in the late eighteen and early nineteen hundreds, both being very powerful people to the African community and to other cultures all around the world. Booker T Washington believed that many black men should work for what they wanted but also believed that the working man should always respect whites even if they don’t get the respect back, just like he did in the beginning of his journey which wasn’t easy but improved over the years and was…

James Mercer Langston Hughes, the great poet, novelist, social activist, columnist, and playwright himself was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. During his life he wrote numerous plays and many different works of poetry. He published his first book of poetry in 1926 at the age of 24. The book was called The Weary Blues, it was a standout because Hughes established a theme to recognize black heritage and he also used jazz rhythm and dialect to focus on urban black lives. Hughes is…

Booker T. Washington Imagine being an African American in the Progressive Era and not having full civil rights like the whites have. Booker T. Washington was born a slave in on April 5, 1856. Poverty ruled out regular schooling, but Booker T. was determined to get an education. He enrolled at Hampton University (at the time it was called Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute), to pay the expenses he worked as a janitor. When he finished college he joined the staff of the institute. Booker T…