r the Harlem Renaissance and gained deep respect of younger black poets of the time []. (Callahan, 784) Before he died, he published [] A Long Way From Home. It was a culmination of his life as a political activist, novelist, essayist and poet. (Callahan, 785)On February 1, 1902, Langston Hughes was born. He was born James Langston Hughes. (Rueben) He was born in Missouri. His parents divorced when he was a younger child. His dad left and went to Mexico. His grandmother had the task to raise him. He stayed there until he was twelve. (Hampson) Then his mother wanted him back. So he moved to Lincoln, Illinois [] eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio. (Anderson, 706) Langston began writing creative poetry in the eight grade. He went on to attend Central High School in Cleveland. he was a coveted award winner as a teen. (Reuben) It was during his high school years that Hughes began to take poetry seriously. (Reuben) Langston was becoming one of the most predominant writing figures of the time. The most important early influence on Hughes poetry was Carl Sandburg []. (Anderson, 706) But his father did not think he would be able to make Sainte 3a living as a writer. (Jackson) He wanted him to pursue a career in engineering. So he came up with the idea to go to Columbia University, where he knew he could be close to Harlem. His passion for writing and desire to see Harlem led him to disobey his dad. When funds for continuing college dried up, Hughes moved to Harlem at the height of its golden era. (Hampson) While in Harlem, he wrote many literary pieces. But it was not easy. He had to take many odd jobs. Saving his money, he was able to publish his first poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers. It was considered one of his most famous poems. (Jackson) Hughes was the first African American author o support himself through his writing []. (Reuben) Many people admired him for that. He would soon become an influence. he beca...
