I am gradually introducing the work of Langston Hughes to my young daughter. Hughes is easily my favorite writer. He made poetry accessible to me. I remember reading "I, Too" for the first time and hearing a voice that I had not heard in any other piece of literature I had read up to that point. I've taught one of his short stories. I've read and re-read The Big Sea , his autobiography. I could go on and on. The work of Langston Hughes has affected me profoundly and helped my identity development, so I cannot wait to share more of it as my daughter matures.
In honor of the birthday of Langston Hughes and the start of Black History Month, here is an amazingly cool video that Google posted as its newest Doodle.