On December 10, 1958, Langston Hughes - one of America’s most important poets, writers and playwrights - gave a stunning talk at U.C. Berkeley.

On this WordTemple, Katherine Hastings introduces and plays the entire reading. Hughes is known primarily for his portrayals of black life in the 20s through the 60s - his work stands as a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance and was among the most important in shaping that movement. Hughes is also known for expressing the influence of jazz in his work. All together, he authored over two dozen books of poetry and prose, 11 plays - including one co-authored with Zora Neale Hurston - and his autobiography, The Big Sea. He called his poems "down to earth," grown from his own life. Here, he reads his poems and gives extraordinarily interesting background to his work. Did you know that Hughes wanted to be a streetcar conductor as a child and that he didn't write his first poem until after he was nominated "class poet" in the 8th grade? This program offers lessons in history, poetry, politics, race and humor in this rare personal talk by one of America’s greatest.