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Langston Hughes was Born
Langston Hughes was born on February 1st 1902 to Carrie Langston Hughes and James Nathaniel Hughes. -
Graduates from High School
Langston Hughes graduates from high school in Cleveland and moves to Mexico to be with his father. On the train to see him, Hughes pens a poem. While Hughes is in Mexico, Hughes's father agrees to fund his education at Columbia University. -
Hughes was Discovered
Hughes moves to Washington, D.C. While bussing tables at the Wardman Park Hotel, Hughes notices the poet Vachel Lindsay dining in the restaurant and slips some of his poems on Lindsay's table. Lindsay puts the young poet in touch with some editors. -
Poetry Contest
Hughes wins the Opportunity magazine poetry contest for "The Weary Blues" -
B.A. degree
Hughes receives a B.A. degree from Lincoln University -
Questioned by McCarthy
Hughes is called before Senator Joseph McCarthy's Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and is questioned about his previous involvement with communism. Hughes later distances himself from communism and his radical poetry, which prompts criticism from some on the left. -
Spingarn Medal
Hughes receives the Spingarn Medal from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, for outstanding achievement by a black American. -
American Academy of Arts and Letters
Hughes is elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. -
Langston Hughes Death
Hughes died at the age of 65 due to Prostate Cancer on May 22 1967. -
Langston Hughes Medal
The first Langston Hughes Medal was awarded by the City College of New York.
