The literature of the writers of the Harlem Renaissance was fascinating and creative. Until this point in time, the writings of blacks were either simple pieces written in black dialect, or else they were imitations of the way whites wrote. This changed during the Harlem Renaissance--for the first time, the writing of the blacks dealt with exploring their own culture on a deeper and more complicated level. The writing of the Harlem Renaissance expressed a pride in being black and a growing sense of confidence among African Americans. These writers flourished until the Great Depression, which caused some of them to leave their writing in order to find better paying jobs.

For this activity, you will read about one of the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Then you will read two of his poems and complete related activities. Follow the menu below.

About Langston Hughes
"Dream Deferred"
"Mother to Son"