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Born
James Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. -
As a young child
He was raised by his grandmother until he was thirteen, when he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother and her husband, before the family eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio. -
Began writing poetry
It was in Lincoln, Illinois, that Hughes began writing poetry. -
After graduation
Following graduation, he spent a year in Mexico and a year at Columbia University. During these years, he held odd jobs as an assistant cook, launderer, and a busboy, and travelled to Africa and Europe working as a seaman. -
First book of poetry is published
Hughes's first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1926. -
Finished collge education
He finished his college education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania three years later. -
Won Harmon gold medal for literature
In 1930 his first novel, Not Without Laughter, won the Harmon gold medal for literature. -
Died from prostate cancer
Langston Hughes died of complications from prostate cancer in May 22, 1967, in New York.