LANGSTON HUGHES was one of the most important literary figures of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. His poems, plays, musicals, operas, essays, films, and adult and children’s books promoted equality and black pride, condemned racism, and celebrated African-American culture, humor, and spirituality. He is particularly known for his dignified and insightful portrayal of ordinary black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. This Lincoln University graduate received many awards and honors including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for distinguished achievements, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.