Langston Hughes Speaking at UCLA 2/16/1967

The speaker introduces the evening's program, highlighting the presence of Mr. Hughes and Mr. Lewis Lomax. They reflect on Langston Hughes' impact as a poet and spokesperson for African Americans, mentioning his long career and the breadth of his work, which includes poetry, novels, plays, and more. The speaker also acknowledges the audience's previous experience with Hughes' work and anticipates a revisit of his poems, including one titled 'Motto,' which reflects the bebop era.

The speaker discusses the influence of Langston Hughes' work in educational anthologies, particularly for children with reading difficulties. They mention the simplicity of Hughes' style, which makes his work accessible and appreciated. The speaker also acknowledges the complexity of newer poets and introduces emerging talents like David Henderson, Alice Walker, and Leroy Jones, emphasizing the diversity and evolution within African American literature.

Langston Hughes shares his personal journey, from his childhood in the Midwest to his realization of racial prejudice in Lincoln, Illinois. His unexpected election as class poet in the 8th grade, due to a perceived innate rhythm attributed to his race, catalyzed his passion for writing. Hughes describes his development as a writer, influenced by Paul Laurence Dunbar and Carl Sandburg, and shares early poems that reflect his experiences and the cultural influences of his time.

Hughes talks about his travels, starting with his move to Mexico with his father and his subsequent experiences on ships that took him to Africa. He describes the cultural exchange he witnessed, including the segregation he observed even in African churches. His travels deepened his understanding of the international nature of racial issues and influenced his writing, reflecting the global color line that Dr. Du Bois spoke of.

This paragraph addresses the challenges African Americans faced in exercising their right to vote, particularly in the South. Hughes recounts a humorous yet poignant anecdote about a young man's attempt to register to vote, facing intimidation and violence from the Ku Klux Klan. The narrative underscores the ongoing fight for civil rights and the persistence of racial discrimination.

Hughes discusses the difficulties faced by African Americans in finding housing due to discriminatory practices. He describes the phenomenon of white flight and the subsequent decline in neighborhood quality as white residents leave when black families move in. The poem 'A Little Song and Housing' captures the essence of these struggles, reflecting the systemic racism embedded in American society.

The speaker praises the role of African American students in the South during the 1960s in raising awareness about racial inequality and inspiring a new wave of social consciousness among students across the country. The speaker reflects on the transformation of American students from being perceived as infantile to becoming agents of meaningful social change.

Hughes shares his experiences as part of a cultural exchange program, where he visited Africa and observed the respect and admiration African people had for African Americans, particularly teachers and skilled professionals. He also notes the economic interdependence between Africa and the United States, highlighting the need for skilled individuals to contribute to this exchange.

In this paragraph, Hughes reflects on the achievements of prominent African Americans in various fields, such as entertainment and sports, while also acknowledging the harsh realities of racial inequality. The poem 'Crowns and Garlands' satirizes the idea that the successes of a few can overshadow the struggles of many, emphasizing the need for substantive change beyond表面的荣誉和成就。

Hughes concludes with the poem 'Life is Fine,' which tells the story of a young man contemplating suicide due to a broken heart but ultimately deciding to live on. The poem captures the essence of resilience and the indomitable spirit of the African American community, reflecting the underlying strength that persists despite adversity.

The final paragraph recounts the story of George Washington McLaurin, who fought for his right to integrate higher education at the University of Oklahoma. His courage and determination led to a landmark case that contributed to the historic integration of American universities. The speaker, having reported on McLaurin's story, presents him with an award for his contributions to advancing integrated education and social progress.