the African-American culture. Many famous people began their writing or gained their

recognition during this time. The Harlem Renaissance took place during the 1920's and

1930's. Many things came about during the Harlem Renaissance; things such as jazz and

blues, poetry, dance, and musical theater. The African-American way of life became the

"thing." Many white people came to discover this newest art, dancing, music, and

literature. The Great Migration of African-American people from the rural South to the

North, and many into Harlem was the cause of this phenomenon. Harlem was originally a

Dutch settlement. Harlem became one of the largest African- American communities in

the United States, and during the Harlem Renaissance became a center for art and

literature. Many great writers came about during this time, one of which was Langston

Hughes. Hughes was born in 1902 with the name James Langston Hughes, and died in

1967. He lived most of his adult life in Harlem. He grew up without a stable family

environment. His father moved to Mexico, and he never really saw much of him. Hughes

He saw Harlem turn into a place to be feared by many. It was a sad and dangerous place

treated. This poem gives hope to the black community. It makes them yearn for the day

Negro had but a few pegs to fall" (Haskins 174). Langston Hughes valued the teaching of

Paul Lauter. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1998. 1619.

all around Harlem. People were having fun. This influenced many people and ways that

that African-Americans are beautiful people, and will be ashamed of how they were

Hughes writes about how the African-American people have been all over the

positive poem. It does not talk directly about racism nor puts down the white race for

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1223
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)