One of the most important writers of the Harlem Renaissance was Langston Hughes. He was a central figure in the movement, known for his poetry, essays, and plays that celebrated Black life and culture. Key contributions of Langston Hughes to the Harlem Renaissance: Poetry: His poems, particularly those infused with jazz and blues rhythms, became iconic expressions of Black experience and identity during the 1920s. Essays and Novels: He also wrote essays, novels, and plays that explored themes of race, class, and community, further solidifying his role as a leading voice of the era. Jazz and Blues Influences: Hughes's work incorporated the rhythms and themes of jazz and blues music, reflecting the artistic landscape of Harlem. Celebration of Black Life: He celebrated the joys and hardships of Black life, avoiding both sentimental idealization and negative stereotypes. Other notable writers of the Harlem Renaissance: Zora Neale Hurston: Known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," which explored Black rural culture and the experiences of Black women. Claude McKay: A poet who wrote about resistance and protest, with his poem "If We Must Die" becoming a significant work of the Harlem Renaissance. Jessie Redmon Fauset: A novelist who wrote about the experiences of Black people in a white-dominated world. #blaqhistory