Langston Hughes—Our Poet Supreme

Abstract In the article “Langston Hughes—Our Poet Supreme,” Kalamu ya Salaam combines the insight and perspective borne of struggle and study with the vibrancy of poetry and the flavor of the blues in his discussion of Langston Hughes's legacy. As suggested in his title, Salaam argues that Hughes is the foremost Black poet in American literary history. Salaam substantiates his claim by outlining Hughes's in-depth knowledge of Black people and Black culture, his abiding political commitment to freedom nationally and internationally, his contributions to letters as a translator, and, finally, his prolific publications.