Langston Hughes, the Shakespeare of Harlem

Born in Joplin, Missouri in 1901, James Mercer Langston Hughes was an African-American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright. Hughes took New York's literary scene by storm in the mid 20th century winning numerous awards, and honorary doctorates. He is best known as leader of the Harlem Renaissance, and was celebrated as the Shakespeare of Harlem. Langston Hughes also created short stories, operas, essays, and works for children. You're going to hear about the early life of Hughes in a 1948 presentation of the classic radio show Destination Freedom. Followed with a story created by Langston Hughes on the radio series New World A-Comin' in 1945. Then, Hughes himself talks about his life and his writings in a speech on the campus of UCLA in 1967.More at http://krobcollection.com