“We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful. And ugly too. The tom-tom cries and the tom-tom laughs. If colored people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”
Quote by Langston Hughes
Work
The Collected Works of Langston Hughes: Essays on art, race, politics, and world affairs
The Collected Works of Langston Hughes is a comprehensive compilation of essays written by the renowned African American poet and writer. The essays delve into a range of subjects, offering insights into the cultural, social, and political landscape of the time. more
Author
Langston Hughes
American poet, writer, playwright, editor, and actor. Langston Hughes is one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetry and prose. His works often explore themes of race, class, and identity, and have been beloved by readers. more
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