Langston Hughes and the *Chicago Defender*

This collection highlights Langston Hughes's impactful journalism, showcasing his insights on race, culture, and social justice through his work with the Chicago Defender.

Langston Hughes is recognized as a pivotal figure in American literature, celebrated for his contributions as a poet, playwright, and social activist. His involvement with the Harlem Renaissance positioned him as a leading voice for African American culture and identity. Known for his powerful and evocative writing, Hughes's work often addressed the complexities of race relations and the struggles faced by his community. His unique perspective earned him titles such as the 'Dean of Black Letters' and the 'poet low-rate of Harlem.'

In Langston Hughes and the Chicago Defender, readers are introduced to Hughes's influential role as a columnist for the renowned African-American newspaper. For two decades, he wrote passionately about the social and political issues affecting African Americans, including Jim Crow laws, white supremacy, and the fight for civil rights. His writings provided a lens through which the hopes and despair of his people could be understood, and his sharp, ironic prose highlighted the racial hypocrisies prevalent in American society.

This collection serves as the first comprehensive gathering of Hughes's nonfiction journalistic pieces, making it an essential read for those new to his work. It also offers fresh insights for long-time fans, illuminating the connections between his journalism and his poetry. Langston Hughes and the Chicago Defender not only showcases his literary prowess but also emphasizes the importance of his voice in the ongoing dialogue about race and identity in America.