In the early to mid-20th century, Langston Hughes contributed significantly to a very important cultural movement that would later be called the "Harlem Renaissance." At the time, it was called the “New Negro Movement,” which involved African Americans in creating and expressing their words through literature and art. Hughes has contributed to various aspects including plays, poems, short stories, novels and even jazz. He was even different from other notable black poets of the time in the way he shared his personal experiences rather than the ordinary everyday experiences of black America. His racial pride helped shape American politics and literature into what they are today. James Mercer "Langston" Hughes was born February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. He was the second child of his mother, Carrie Mercer Langston, and his father, James Nathaniel Hughes. Both of his parents were free African Americans who worked primarily as teachers as well as various other jobs. His father left the family for Cuba when Langston was a young child to escape the racism he faced.. ...