Langston hughes early life

Feb 1, 1902

Langston Hughes Born

Langston Hughes is born in Joplin, Missouri, to James Nathaniel Hughes and Caroline Mercer Langston. Hughes's parents split up when he is very young, and his father moves to Mexico.

For most of his childhood, Langston lives with his grandmother in Kansas and then with family friends while his mother travels in search of work.

1914

Joins Mother in Lincoln

Hughes moves to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his now-remarried mother and stepfather.

1916

Family Moves to Cleveland

Langston Hughes graduates from primary school and is elected class poet.

Soon after, his family settles in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jun 1920

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 the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." While Hughes is in Mexico, Hughes's father agrees to fund his education at Columbia University, on the grounds t