Langston Hughes — Quotes

“I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.”

— Langston Hughes · Opening lines from his 1921 poem 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers,' written when Hughes was 19 and traveling to Mexico, connecting African American identity to ancient civilizations.

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”

— Langston Hughes · From his 1951 poem 'Harlem,' which became the title inspiration for Lorraine Hansberry's acclaimed 1959 play about African American aspirations.

“I, too, sing America.”

— Langston Hughes · Opening of his 1925 poem asserting that African Americans are integral to American identity despite discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society.

“Do you reckon I ought to be glad I'm alive? I reckon so. It's a privilege.”

— Langston Hughes · From his 1940 autobiography 'The Big Sea,' reflecting on overcoming childhood hardships and finding meaning in his life and work.

“Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, and splinters, and boards torn up, and places with no carpet on the floor.”

— Langston Hughes · From his 1922 poem 'Mother to Son,' written early in his career to capture the resilience of African American women facing systemic obstacles.

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

— Langston Hughes · From his poem 'Dreams' (1922), encouraging readers, especially young African Americans, to maintain hope and aspirations despite societal barriers.

“The Negro is the creative force behind the blues, jazz, and the spiritual—America's greatest original contributions to world culture.”

— Langston Hughes · Statement reflecting Hughes's belief, expressed throughout his career, in African American cultural achievements and their central importance to American identity.

“I write about people. I write about the things that concern them—their struggles, their dreams, their defeats, their triumphs.”

— Langston Hughes · Hughes's explanation of his literary philosophy, emphasizing his commitment to portraying authentic African American experiences and voices in his poetry and prose.