May 22, 1967 James Mercer Langston Hughes, poet, novelist, and playwright, died. Hughes was born February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. He began writing in high school where he wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and wrote short stories, poetry, and dramatic plays. Hughes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University […]
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March 30th in African American History – Nathan Pinchback “Jean” Toomer
March 30, 1967 Nathan Pinchback “Jean” Toomer, poet and novelist, died. Toomer was born December 26, 1894 in Washington, D. C. Toomer attended six institutions of higher education between 1914 and 1917, studying agriculture, fitness, biology, sociology, and history but never earned a degree. After college, he published some short stories and served as principal […]
March 7th in African American History – Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks
March 7, 2006 Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks, photographer, musician, poet, film director, and activist, died. Parks was born November 30, 1912 in Fort Scott, Kansas. He bought his first camera at the age of 25 and began to work as a freelance portrait and fashion photographer. In 1941, an exhibition of his photographs of […]
February 1st in African American History – James Mercer Langston Hughes
February 1, 1902 James Mercer Langston Hughes, poet, novelist and playwright, was born in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes began writing in high school where he wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and wrote short stories, poetry, and dramatic plays. Hughes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University in 1929. Hughes signature poem, […]