James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. His parents, James Nathaniel and Carrie Mercer Langston Hughes separated shortly after their son’s birth. (Students 62) Because of their separation, Hughes’ Grandmother, Mary Leary Langston, raised him until her death. She was the first black woman to attend Oberlin College and it was her that

Five years after his grandmother’s death, Hughes joined his mother and new step father in Lincoln, Illinois where he attended grammar school. After grammar school, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. (Students 62) In Cleveland, Hughes attended Central High School where he excelled in both academics and sports. (Students 62) Hughes was designated class poet, and there he published his first short stories. (Gale.com 1) For his high school literary magazine, the Belfry Owl, he wrote poetry and short fiction stories. (Gale.com 2)

Hughes’ career was influenced by Paul Laurence Dunbar. He was second to become an African- American writer earning a living in his time. (Gale.com 1) “Hughes is one of the twentieth century’s most important African-American poets and authors” and his works continued to appear posthumously. (Star- News.com 1) (Gale.com6)

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