via Gallery Hop – I, Too, Sing America: The Harlem Renaissance at 100 Mural Series
This post is a bit longer than ones I usually press, but it brought back memories of teaching.
I taught Language Arts and, as a result, poetry. I was drawn to Langston Hughes who was critical in the Harlem Renaissance, although he was not originally from New York. He was from Joplin, Missouri, found his way to Harlem, and added a wonderful voice through poetry to the Renaissance.
One of the murals in the post is of Richard Pryor who would have begun his career in the latter stages of Langston Hughes’ life. I did not think of it that way until today as I looked at the post and realized there was an overlap in their careers.
Like Hughes, Pryor was not born in New York, but moved there from Illinois. I watched Pryor on the Ed Sullivan Show in the late 1960’s, enjoying his humour and social critique.
I leave you with a Langston Hughes poem: Dreams. I shared this one with my students each year, reminding them to have dreams and chase those dreams.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Teacher as Transformer 
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
YOWZA—GREAT POSTING POEM!!!!
Glad it brought back good memories. I got to meet Pryor’s son during the gallery hop.
That must have been a great opportunity.
It was fun.
I love him. Wonderful poet. Richard Pryor was a favorite as well.
I loved Pryor on Ed Sullivan. He was one of a kind with his words and body movement. His humour was more than just words.
I was introduced to Hughes in high school! Believe it or not.
I was an adult, but, when I read him, I was hooked on his poetry. It had an uplifting and liberating message.
I enjoy Langston Hughes so much. Thanks.
You are welcome Emilie.
That’s a lovely poem.
Thank you Melissa.
Very interesting history, and great poem for the kids and really for all of us in general. Learning everyday more….from a teacher!
Glad to have been able to read you.
Thank you Charly.