LANGSTON HUGHES (February 1, 1901 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He was an early innovator of jazz poetry and best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a prolific writer at an early age. Both of his paternal great-grandmothers were enslaved Africans, and his paternal great-grandfathers were white slave owners in Kentucky. Offering a beautifully 4″ x 4 ¾” inscribed card to “Mamma Jenny” with the sentiment, I wish you much joy and happiness. Written in Hughes’ traditional green ink. Hughes’ material grandmother, Mary Patterson, was of African-American, French, English and Native American descent, and one of the first women to attend Oberlin College. She married Lewis Sheridan Leary, also of mixed-race descent. Lewis joined John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, where he was fatally wounded. Ten years later, in 1869, Mary Patterson Lewis married again, into the elite politically active Langston family. Her second husband was Charles Langston. He and his younger brother, John Mercer Langston, worked for the abolishment cause and helped lead the Ohio Anti-Slavery Society. Slight toning along the edges with one small crease, affecting nothing. A wonderful piece of African American history from a brilliant writer. Our goal is to please every customer.
