Join us for a deep dive into the life of James Mercer Langston Hughes, a central leader of the Harlem Renaissance and a pioneering innovator of jazz poetry. Born in 1901 in Joplin, Missouri, Hughes was raised primarily by his grandmother, who instilled in him a deep sense of racial pride that would define his literary career.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Making of a Poet: How a childhood stereotype about African Americans having "rhythm" led to his election as class poet, sparking a lifelong passion for writing.

• A Life in Motion: From his strained relationship with his father in Mexico to his travels as a seaman to West Africa and Europe, we trace the global experiences that shaped his worldview.

• The Voice of the People: