Rising Above the Hatred

In the beginning...

Sometimes near the water something stirs within my soul and a feeling of serenity settles over me. Over eighty years ago a majestic American River similarly inspired a young writer. That writer was Langston Hughes and the poem inspired by his journey is titled “A Negro Speaks of Rivers”. This poem is just one involved in this collection of his works. Although the times dictated racial discrimination, Langston Hughes masterfully instilled a growing sense of pride for his race by claiming that Negroes had been instrumental in civilizations all through history, and therefore could transcend those inequalities that ruled the times they lived in.

Background Information.....

The year was 1921 and Hughes often expressed his views on the frustrations of blacks in the United States. Hughes penned his now famous poems at a time when segregation ruled the land, a time when racism prevailed, and Negroes were assigned to back seats and treated like second class citizens. Hughes was attempting to show the black man as human during a time when others saw them as less than human. Without ever speaking the words, Hughes sends a message that speaks volumes about the treatment of Negroes in this country. His style of writing evokes strong images that trace the longevity and significant history of Negroes from Africa to America.

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers"...

In his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” Hughes uses four major rivers as a metaphor that refers to his race and the collective souls of all Negroes. This lyrical poem containing thirteen lines and five stanzas is a small masterpiece of rhythm and relies on alliteration. Hughes focuses on the role of Negroes in the shaping of civilization dating back to biblical times when the “dawns were young”.

The Rivers...

The world’s earliest civilizations were found among the fertile soil of the Euphrates, the Congo, and the Nile rivers. Together these three rivers symbolize the ancient history of the Negro race at a time when they were free. Lastly Hughes mentions the mighty Mississippi River and when he writes, “when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans,” he is referring to the fact that it was in New Orleans that Lincoln first witnessed the slave auctions. The transformation of the river from “its muddy bosom” into “all golden in the sunset” is a metaphor for the freedom and the hope that Lincoln delivered to the black slaves.

In Conclusion...

With his skillful writing Hughes resurrects a sense of racial pride from the ashes of the Civil War and the slavery that ceased at the War’s end. He takes the high road knowing that his “soul has grown deep like the rivers”, and rises above racial hatred to champion his people to voice his concerns for racial and social injustice. Langston Hughes gives strength and a sense of pride to his race during a time when they were made to feel less than worthy. These beautiful poems will stir the reader’s soul much like the old Negro spiritual songs.