Langston Hughes was an influential African American poet in the early 20th century. He used his poetry to draw attention to issues of racism, segregation, and inequality faced by Black Americans during his lifetime. Some of his most famous poems that addressed these social and political issues included "Democracy", "Justice", and "Will V-Day Be Me-Day Too?". In his writing, Hughes sought to give a voice to African Americans and stir awareness of the unjust treatment they continued to endure despite fighting for their country during World War II. He used his talent and passion for poetry to advocate for racial equality and civil rights.

1. Langston HughesHis writing as an African American was influenced by the social issues of his time…….Cierra Johnson Eng102 T/4

2. Jim Crow Laws2

3. Children’s Rhymes3 By what sends The white kidsI ain’t sentI know I can’t be president.What don’t bug white kidssure bugs me. We know everybodyain’tfreeLies written down For white folks ain’tfor us a-tallLiberty and JusticeHuh- For All?

4. 4 Segregation all over the land….

5. World War II“Will V-day Be Me- day too?”In this poem Langston Hughes was speaking on the unfair and unequal treatment of the black World War II soldiers. These young men who were fighting for democracy of America in a foreign land( and had no rights at home). Some solders were lynched while still in there uniforms upon returning home. He felt this injustice at home was a disservice to the entire country.5

6. Will V-day Be Me-Day Too?6Over There, World War II. Dear Fellow Americans, I write this letter Hoping times will be better When this war Is through. I'm a Tan-skinned Yank Driving a tank. I ask, WILL V-DAY BE ME-DAY, TOO? I wear a U. S. uniform. I've done the enemy much harm, I've driven back The Germans and the Japs, From Burma to the Rhine. On every battle line, I've dropped defeat Into the Fascists' laps. I am a Negro American Out to defend my land Army, Navy, Air Corps-- I am there. I take munitions through, I fight--or stevedore, too. I face death the same as you do Everywhere. *This is a excerpt out of the poem.

7. African American World War IIsoldiers7

8. "Negro members of the 477th Antiaircraft Artillery, Air Warning Battalion, study maps in the operations section at Oro Bay, New Guinea." November 15, 1944. Pvt. Edward Grefe. 111-SC-305909 8

9. 9DemocracyDemocracy will not comeToday, this yearNor everThrough compromise and fearI have as much rightAs the other fellow hasTo standOn my two feetAnd own the landI tire so hearing people say,Let’s things take their course.Tomorrow is another day I do not need my freedom when I’m deadI cannot live on tomorrow’s breadFreedom Is sharing seedPlanted In a great need.I live here too.I want freedomJust as you

10. Justice10That justice is a blind Goddess Is a thing to which We blacks are wise: Her bandages hide two festering sores that once perhaps were eyes.

11. 11Langston Hughes was born in 1902 around the turn of the century. As a child he experienced racial segregation and later in life was blessed with the gift to write. Langston Hughes used his gift of writing to be a voice to the nation. He used his poems to stir the conscious of the masses. He wrote about political, social, and other issues facing African American’s. His weapon of choice was his pen. Langston Hughes died in1967 and left a rich legacy of poems behind.

12. 12 Some of Langston Hughes Literary WorksI, Too, Sing AmericaJusticeMother to SonDream DeferredDemocracyThe Negro Speaks of RiversNegro MotherChildren’s RhymesPo’ Boy BluesCultural ExchangesHe also wrote numerous plays, essay, and his autobiographyPictures Courtesy of: 13http://www.montgomeryboycott.com/article_overview.htmhttp://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/African-Americans.htmlhttp://students.cis.uab.edu/rwians/Unethical%20Research.htmhttp://www.crmvet.org/images/imgselma.htmhttp://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/ww2-pictures/http://www.popdecay.com/2010/10/26/1961-freedom-riders-call-for-prisoners-release/7231http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=67197http://1hiphopucit.com/2011/02/happy-birthday-langston-hughes-video/