University of Kansas to Honor Langston Hughes in 100th Birthday Celebration - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 2, 2001

LAWRENCE, KANSAS

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker and actors Danny Glover, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis are among the artists and scholars planning to celebrate the 100th birthday anniversary of writer Langston Hughes on Jan. 31 and again from Feb. 7 to 10 at the University of Kansas. The symposium takes place in Lawrence, Hughes' childhood hometown.

Born in Joplin, Mo., on Feb. 1, 1902, Hughes lived in Lawrence from 1903 to 1915. His book, Not Without Laughter, is a fictionalized account of his bittersweet childhood in Lawrence, says Maryemma Graham, KU professor of English and conference co-organizer.

Graham says Hughes' work encouraged ethnic writers to consider their own cultures.

The symposium will include performances of Hughes' work, an exhibit of his papers, community events throughout Lawrence, and related events at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Mo.

Details will be posted regularly on the continuing education Web site at .