During the term of former New York City Mayor, Ed Koch, an annual Proclamation ceremony was established recognizing Langston Hughes for his contribution to literature. During these ceremonies, Mr. Hughes was also honored for his central role in the Harlem Renaissance. The ceremonies continued each year at City Hall throughout the mayoral terms of Koch and David Dinkins.

However, Mayor Rudy Giuliani claimed there“wasn’t any room available” for this celebration at City Hall, and there would be no Proclamations from His Honor.

Not to be deterred, neighbors of the famous Harlem resident, scholars, and the current owner of Mr. Hughes’ Harlem home, Albert Davis, collaborated to ensure the annual celebrations continued. The Proclamation ceremony is now held annually at Hughes’ home on at West 127th Street, between Lenox and 5th Avenunes.

The first floor living room of Hughes’ house contains a grand piano, a wall sized mural of the poet, a fire place and a glass case containing many memorabilia from Hughes’ lifetime. Many of these were saved by Toy Harper, a close friend and confidante of Langston Hughes. The case contains everything from postcards Mr. Hughes wrote during his travels to Ms. Harper’s personal sewing kit.