Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance

African American History and Culture

• The study of African American history and culture includes various forms of media, such as poems, articles, and podcasts.

Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance

• Langston Hughes was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and literary movement that took place in the 1920s.
• The Harlem Renaissance was a flourishing of African American intellectual, literary, and artistic life in various American cities, with Harlem being a central hub.
• Langston Hughes was a prolific writer, producing works in multiple genres, including poetry, novels, short stories, essays, and plays.

The Speaker's Identity

• The speaker refers to himself as "the darker brother", implying he is marginalized or excluded due to his race.

Exclusion and Inequality

• The speaker is forced to eat in the kitchen when company comes, indicating segregation and unequal treatment.
• This exclusion makes the speaker laugh, suggesting he finds it ridiculous or humorous.

Hope and Empowerment

• The speaker declares that tomorrow, he will be at the table when company comes, implying he will no longer be excluded.
• The speaker is confident that others will not dare to tell him to eat in the kitchen again.

Self-Esteem and Pride

• The speaker believes that others will see his beauty and be ashamed of their previous treatment of him.
• The poem concludes with the speaker affirming his identity, stating "I, too, am America", emphasizing his equal place in society.