Langston Hughes was a prominent African American poet, novelist, and playwright who was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s. Hughes was known for his poems and stories that celebrated the lives and struggles of African Americans and he is often considered one of the foremost voices of the Harlem Renaissance.
One of Hughes' most famous poems is "50-50," which was published in his first collection of poetry, "The Weary Blues," in 1926. The poem speaks to the struggle for equality and the desire for fair treatment and representation in society. It opens with the line, "I am the darker brother," which immediately establishes the theme of race and the experiences of African Americans.
The poem goes on to describe how, despite facing many obstacles and challenges, African Americans are determined to fight for their rights and for equal treatment. Hughes writes, "They send me to eat in the kitchen / When company comes, / But I laugh, / And eat well, / And grow strong." This line speaks to the segregation and discrimination that African Americans faced during this time, but also to their resilience and determination to overcome these challenges.
The title of the poem, "50-50," refers to the idea of equality and the belief that African Americans deserve to be treated equally and with the same respect and opportunities as white Americans. However, the poem also acknowledges the reality that this equality has not yet been achieved, and the struggle to achieve it continues. Hughes writes, "Tomorrow, / They may say, / "Eat in the kitchen," / But tomorrow, / I'll be at the table / When company comes." This line speaks to the hope and determination of African Americans to continue fighting for their rights and for equal treatment, even in the face of ongoing oppression and discrimination.
In conclusion, "50-50" by Langston Hughes is a powerful poem that speaks to the ongoing struggle for equality and fair treatment for African Americans. It celebrates the resilience and determination of African Americans in the face of discrimination and oppression, and it encourages them to continue fighting for their rights and for equal treatment.