Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He was born in 1901 to Mary Patterson Leary and Charles Langston, and was raised by his grandmother Mary Langston. Through her, he developed a lasting sense of racial pride. In 1931, he and Prentiss Taylor created Golden Stair Press, which published portfolios and books with works of art by Prentiss Taylor and texts by Langston Hughes. Hughes was a black gay icon, and his sexuality has been historically ignored or minimized.
On May 22, 1967, he passed away at the age of 66 due to complications from prostate cancer. His funeral contained little spoken praise, but was filled with jazz and blues music. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancerous tumor worldwide and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men. After undergoing abdominal surgery due to cancer, Hughes developed secondary complications that ultimately led to his death. The Beinecke Library of Rare Books and Manuscripts at Yale University contains the Langston Hughes documents (1862-1980) and the Langston Hughes Collection (1924-196), which contain letters, manuscripts, personal items, photographs, clippings, works of art and objects that document Hughes's life. On the 50th anniversary of his death, let's remember the magnificent poet Langston Hughes for his talent and influence.
He set a tone of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation that we must all follow.