Authors and Poets



Not everyone in the Harlem Renaissance had roles like those of politicians. Some influential people use the power of the pen to help explain and make known the problems that faced Black America. Below are a list of some of the Authors from the Harlem Renaissance, who used their strength, the written word to achieve change.

First, for each author, click on their picture to find out more about them. Please include information on your tag along sheet which would explain childhood stories which helped develop them into who they became,what their talents were, and some of their accomplishments in trying to achieve equality among whites and blacks.

Second, Below each picture are links to some of their most influential writings. Each each poem or short story and in your note packet write a two sentence summary which tells us the meaning of the poem and your general thoughts about it (did you like it? Hate it?) Place a star next to the poem you enjoyed the most.

Langston Hughes
(Click his picture for Bio before you read his poems)

The Negro Speaks-
Before you read this poem, please play and listen to Langston Hughes rational behind writing this work. Simply hit play on the audio player above the poem and enjoy.

Let America be America Again

Mother to Son



Claude McKay
(Click his picture for Bio before you read his poems)


I Shall Return

The Lynching

Harlem Shadows



Countee Cullen
(Click his picture for Bio before you read his poems)


Yet Do I Marval

The Shroud of Color

Incident