Jazz poet and social activist Langston Hughes utilized the American language, music, slang, and religious views to educate the world about African American lifestyles during the Harlem Renaissance. His jazz poetry depicted the “low-life,” or the real life experiences of blacks, in the lower social-economic strata. His criticisms focused on the divisions, and prejudices, based on skin color within the black community. In this program, participants will explore one it means to be oneself and how Hughes used his poetry to share messages of experiences.

Keith Henley
First Person Interpreter
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