Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri during the year of 1902. He was born to James Nathaniel and Carrie Mercer Langston Hughes, though his grandmother raised him after their divorce. He was one of the most influential and inspiring African-Americans of all times. He based most of his poetry on race.

Mr. Hughes was influenced by the poets Paul Laurence Dunbar and Carl Sanburg. After Langston Hughes graduated from high school, he went to Mexico, where he spent fifteen months with his father. A year later, Langston Hughes returned to the United States. He had joined the SS Malone, that was bound for Africa. While on duty, he visited Africa, Paris, Venice and Genoa. Though it is said that he was "discovered" by Vachel Lindsay (while he was a busboy), it's not really true. Before that, he had already been published in many magazines and newspapers.

Langston Hughes played a huge role in the Harlem Renaissance. He was one of the many "New Negro" writers, along with Eric Walrond, Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston, Wallace Thurman, Arna Bontemps and many other extremely talented African-American writers. These writers helped to revive Harlem and the spirits and hopes of many of the people of the Harlem community. Harlem became the center of New York. It was the place to be, with the best theater and music. Hughes was a Renaissance man. He wrote not only poetry, but also lyrics, short stories, and many more things. There were no limits to his writing capabilities.

Langston's writings dealt with many diverse issues, including his everlasting struggle "to explain and illuminate the Negro condition in America." Though he was not able to answer this undeniably intense question, he successfully portrayed the view point of the "Nero," making sure that their voices are heard. Though he wasn't able to change the minds about the African-American's image, he still remained a prominent figure, touching the mind of the people who were willing to listen.

Langston Hughes' house still exists and is now a museum, displaying the works, pictures, and letters of and about Langston Hughes. Also, there were a lot of postcards that he had written to other people. The Langston Hughes house is owned by Albert Davis who tours the house and explains the various articles of his life that he left behind. The Langston Hughes House is located on East 127th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

**P.S. If you are wondering why this writing is in green, it is because usually when Langston Hughes wrote in his journal, signed autographs or whatever, he always used to write in green.