Legendary Greats

Langston Hughes Cicely Tyson

Langston Hughes was born James Mercer Langston Hughes, on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. This Legendary Great would go on to become one of the greatest literary poets in history. Raised by his grandmother and mother after his parents divorced Langston lived in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Central High School. It was during this time that he not only was writing poetry but short stores as well. It was soon after graduating from high school that he began to gain attention with his writing and his writing of “ The Negro Speaks of Rivers”. Soon after he made his to New York and attended Columbia University. It was during this time he grew to love Harlem. Langston’s journey took him from New York to Africa to Europe and back. Langston Hughes became one of the most influential figures during the Harlem Renaissance. His influence was instrumental in the art of Jazz Poetry. Writing about the African American experiences gave him a real voice during this time and beyond. Langston wrote about what was happening in the world. His writings included poetry and plays, one such play that includes his poetry and gospel traditional music. This play was about the birth of Jesus through the eyes of African Americans and is still seen around the world today is “ Black Nativity.” This play was the first to use a gospel choir. Langston wrote shorts, novels and newspaper columns. His work received critical acclaim and gained him multitudes of awards. Langston also was able to open several theater companies one in Harlem and another in L.A.

Langston continued to write poetry until his death from prostate cancer on May 22, 1967, he was 65 years old. His poetry is read and studied today across the world. His words on the struggles and injustices in the world still rings true today. Cicely Tyson was born on December 19th, 1924 in Harlem New York to parents that came to the United States from the West Indies. This legendary actress and fashion model is one of the most respected actress of all time. She is an ICON. She was first discovered by a photographer from Ebony Magazine who asked her if she wanted to be a model at the time she didn’t know what modeling was but took the card went to the appointment and got the job with the agency. From modeling she began to act by chance, she was told a movie company was looking for a lead and she looked like her. Cicely has always stated that she did not choose acting…acting chose her. Very early on Cicely made a choice as to what roles she would play in portraying African American Women. The roles she has chosen over her 60 year career have been strong female figures who have a story to tell. The doors that Cicely has opened for melanated actresses today is beyond the scope of reason. Her portrayals on Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, Roots, The Help and more… is just a small portion of the work she has done in those 60 years. Her extensive range not only includes movies and television but the theater as well. This has gained Cicely Tyson awards ranging from Daytime Emmy Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, a Tony Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom to name a few.

This Legendary Great passed away on January 28th 2021 at the age of 96 years young.

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