C. T. Suddeth

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was one of the foremost poets of the Harlem Renaissance, but he has complex roots—both grandfathers were white Kentucky plantation owners, and he also has Native American blood. He wrote extensively of the Black experience. (April—National Poetry Month)

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,