The BayNet Black History Spotlight: Live, One-Man Play Celebrates The ‘Soul Of Langston Hughes’ – The BayNet

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – In celebration of Black History Month, the NAACP St. Mary’s County branch #7025 (NAACP SMC) and the United Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC) partnered with the St. Mary’s County Library to present a live, one-man play, Soul of Langston Hughes, about the prolific Black American writer and poet from the 1920s, masterfully performed by Daron P. Stewart at the Lexington Park Library on February 3rd.

Stewart, a talented actor, writer, and producer known for his performances in the United States and abroad, vividly brought the story of Hughes to life. He used period-appropriate dress, along with props, music, and sound effects, to educate a diverse audience of all ages about Hughes’ life spanning from his early days as a busboy and poet to his rise as “The People’s Poet.”¹

Langston Hughes was a seminal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, an explosion of African American culture in the 1920s and 1930s in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. His poetry, fiction, and essays explored the lives, struggles, joys, and vernacular of African Americans, often addressing issues of race, class, and equality with lyricism and humor.

The Harlem Renaissance was more than an artistic movement; it was a cultural awakening that laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement. It challenged the pervasive racial stereotypes and discrimination of the time, celebrating black identity, heritage, and creativity. Hughes, with his profound and accessible writing, became an emblem of this celebration. He articulated the hopes and frustrations of African Americans and inspired a sense of solidarity and pride.

Hughes’s work during the Harlem Renaissance emphasized the dignity and beauty of everyday black life, which was revolutionary in a society that often marginalized African American experiences. By bringing black culture to the forefront, Hughes and his contemporaries helped foster a new consciousness that would fuel the struggles for racial justice and equality in the decades to follow.

Thus, understanding Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance is crucial to comprehending the cultural and intellectual underpinnings of the Civil Rights Movement. Their legacy is a testament to the power of art and literature in shaping societal change and advancing the fight for civil rights.

As the event Soul of Langston Hughes concluded, it highlighted the ongoing work of the NAACP SMC and the UCAC. These organizations are dedicated to promoting the advancement of people of color, ensuring equal rights for all, and preserving important historical narratives. Their joint effort in hosting this event, in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Library, serves as a clear example of their commitment to these goals, showcasing their role in educating and bringing the community together to celebrate cultural heritage and advocate for social justice. Through such initiatives, they continue to emphasize the importance of solidarity, historical awareness, and the pursuit of equality in shaping a better future.

For those who are inspired by the collaborative efforts of the NAACP SMC and the UCAC, and wish to learn more about their missions or to get involved, additional information is readily available. Both organizations have a strong presence in the community and are always looking for individuals eager to contribute to the cause of advancing civil rights, preserving history, and promoting cultural understanding. You can find out more about their upcoming events (a few of which are noted below), educational programs, and volunteer opportunities by visiting their respective websites or reaching out directly through their contact pages. Engaging with these organizations not only offers a chance to contribute to meaningful change but also to become part of a community dedicated to making history today for the generations of tomorrow.

Voter Registration Mixer
April 5, 2024 / 6 PM
Kitchen Latrice Social Lounge & Bar, 26130 Three Notch Rd., Mechanicsville, MD, 20659
stmarysnaacp.org

Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 2024 / 12 PM
John G. Lancaster Park, Willows Rd., Lexington Park, MD 20653
ucaconline.org 

To learn about upcoming programs and events offered by St. Mary’s County Library visit: stmalib.org

To find out more about Daron P. Stewart and his work visit: artsforlearningmd.org/artist/daron-p-stewart 

Langston Hughes: The People’s Poet, National Museum of African American History & Culture at the Smithsonian (nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/langston-hughes-peoples-poet)

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