Authors: Langston Hughes & Jacqueline Woodson
Langston Hughes
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Langston's WorkLangston Hughes's poem "I, Too" is a powerful work that asserts the dignity and strength of Black Americans. The poem responds to Walt Whitman's exclusion of Black people in "I Hear America Singing," and uses vivid imagery to convey the struggle and resilience of Black people. The final lines express hope and determination for Black equality and recognition in American society.
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Growing Up
Langston Hughes spent much of his childhood moving between various cities in the Midwest, including Lawrence, Kansas, and Cleveland, Ohio. During this time, he experienced the harsh realities of racism and discrimination against Black people in America. Hughes attended segregated schools and was often the only Black student in his classes. He also faced violence and harassment from white supremacists, including being beaten by a group of white boys when he was in high school. Despite these challenges, Hughes was drawn to the arts, and he began writing poetry at a young age. He found solace in the community of Black people around him, including his grandmother, who helped raise him, and other Black artists and writers he encountered throughout his life.
Jacqueline Woodson
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Woodson's WorkJacqueline Woodson's writing often explores complex themes through the eyes of young people. In her novel "Red at the Bone," she tells the story of a multigenerational African American family in Brooklyn, highlighting their desires, secrets, and struggles. The book is known for its poetic language and shifting perspectives, which reveal the intricate relationships and power dynamics within the family. "Red at the Bone" is a nuanced portrayal of the challenges of forging one's own identity in the face of societal pressures and family expectations.
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Growing Up
Woods was born in Columbus, Ohio, but grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York. Woodson was raised in a family that valued education and storytelling, and her love of writing began at an early age. She was encouraged to read and write by her mother, who was a teacher, and her father, who worked as a carpenter. Woodson's family was one of the few African American families in their neighborhood, and she often felt like an outsider. However, she found solace in books and writing, and began keeping a journal to express her thoughts and feelings. These experiences and influences shaped Woodson's perspective and influenced her writing, which often explores themes of race, identity, and family. Through her books, Woodson has become a beloved and award-winning author, inspiring readers of all ages with her powerful storytelling.