Throughout the history of literature, authors have told their readers of the time periods they have lived in. One major style that has been effectively used in this manner is poetry. The style of poetry was a greatly made use of during the Harlem Renaissance, which was when the African-American arts were at its peak. One of the most popular poets of the Harlem Renaissance is Langston Hughes. Despite the racism that prevailed in the 1920s, Langston Hughes used his poetry to encourage himself and his fellow African-Americans to be proud of their race regardless of their problems. .
Langston Hughes" poems and stories reveal the author's comprehension of the Negro culture, and his awareness of their individual work in Southern life. In Hughes" writings, the conventional life of the Negro folk is made to come alive, and to show the life of the Negro folk as they are. His poem, "I, too, sing America", is a perfect example of just that. He is describing that no matter where they make a Negro eat, or work, they well overcome the odds. Like most of his works, Langston Hughes gives the reader a clear idea of the Negro society. In relation to his work "America", Hughes is trying to convey to white readers that blacks were as good as whites in all aspects of the arts; writings, music, and theater. To him, Americans are Americans, no matter that their skin color may be. .
He was also trying to break out of expectations of his writings by going against the idea of the white liberals. In his poem "Mulatto", he tells a story of being half white and half black and the tension that arises from that. In the essay "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain", Hughes describes the different standards of blackness versus whiteness, and what is perceived to be a Negro artist in America. There are said differences between blackness and whiteness and Hughes tries to break these barriers.
Langston Hughes spoke of the broad range of African-American experiences in his writings.