“Thank You, M'am”
Langston Hughes
Biography
· 1902-1967
· Wrote poems, stories, plays and essays
· Wrote about being African American in the 1900's
· 1921 “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” is published
· Weary Blues 1st book of poetry published 1926
· Part of Harlem Renaissance
· “Dream Deferred” “Theme for English B”
Hughes:
l Thought it was necessary to write about the African American experience
l This story focuses on the dignity of the common man against the backdrop of Harlem
l Characters speak urban dialect using everyday speech and expression
Harlem Renaissance
l 1920-1930
l Outburst of creative activity among African Americans
l In all fields of art
l NYC
l Migration of African Americans to northern cities