In 20th century America, the oppression facing African-Americans is possibly the most controversial and historical ever. The constant battle they have fought is voiced clearly in the works produced by African-American authors, poets, artists and musicians during and prior to the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in a period known as the Harlem Renaissance. The voice that perhaps rang the truest among all people is that of Langston Hughes. His work so sincerely expressed the needs, wants, and passions of his people, during a time when, perhaps, these issues were being pushed aside. Hughes' poetry reflects the views of African-Americans during the 20th century. He speaks with a passion for life, love, and the basic human desire for happiness. Very rarely does someone like Hughes come along, someone whose voice can speak for an entire people.

In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was passed, abolishing the practice of slavery. Although this was a great leap in the freedom of African-Americans, they were still far from the equality that they so longed for. The struggle had just begun.

The turn of the century brought many changes for African-Americans. The

This poem is a beautiful, passionate description of what Hughes' knows his people can accomplish. The 'table' represents America. This is where the whites sit, because they are the only ones truly treated as Americans. The 'kitchen' represents oppression, where the African-Americans have been forced for so many years. When 'company,' or opportunity comes along, African-Americans have always been left out. But, as Hughes states, "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table." He is saying that one day, his people will be able to share in the opportunity that America has to offer, because they, too, are a part of America.

Despite Hughes' overall optimistic outlook, he sometimes falls into a darker view of the conditions. In the poem "Porter," Hughes says 'Rich old white man owns the world (Hughes, 169)." This reflects some of the doubt that blacks felt about their position in society. Even though the Civil Rights movement's approach was optimistic, many blacks still felt the insecurity of knowing that their country was ruled by rich white men.

In all, Hughes' work is a clear reflection of his peoples' feelings during the 20th century. His voice speaks volumes for the conditions of the time, as well as what African-Americans hoped and dreamed.

James Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. He came from a long line of African-American activists. His grandfather, aunt, and uncle had all, in some way, made an impact on the struggle for equality. This sparked a fascination with freedom in Hughes' young mind. Hughes attended school in Cleveland, Ohio, where he showed an early talent for writing, specifically poetry. His works were being published in the high school newspaper on a regular basis. After finishing high school, Hughes furthered his education at Columbia University in New York City, an accomplishment unheard by an African-American at the time. It was here, in this new environment, that Hughes' talent for verse really began to flourish.

"The Great Depression of the 1930s increased black protests against discrimination, especially in northern cities. Blacks protested the refusal of white-owned businesses in all-black neighborhoods to hire black salespersons. Using the slogan "Don't Buy Where You Can't Work," these campaigns persuaded blacks to

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Approximate Word count = 1549
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)