“My People” by Langston Hughes is a powerful and poignant poem that celebrates the strength, resilience, and beauty of the African American community. Published in 1923, the poem is considered a seminal work of the Harlem Renaissance and a testament to Hughes’s commitment to social justice and racial equality.
The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which begins with the line “My people.” This repetition emphasizes the collective identity and shared experiences of African Americans, particularly in the face of adversity. Hughes describes his people as “dark and strong,” “beautiful” and “black,” and “full of laughter.” He also acknowledges the challenges they have faced, including “the burden of the world” and “the weight of history.”
