Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance – Virtual Program
Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance with Bill Thierfelder
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
7:00-8:00 pm via Zoom
Explore the contributions of Langston Hughes, one of the most visible writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes’ work ranged from novels to plays. He also wrote short stories, children’s books, translations, and anthologies as well. However, his most widely appreciated pieces were his poems. After dropping out of Columbia University in 1922, he began to spend every waking moment in Harlem, supporting himself on odd jobs and writing. His writing reflected the idea that black culture should be celebrated because of its value to the fabric of America and the world. He advocated these beliefs in many of his most famous poems, including “I, Too, Sing America,” “Let America be America Again,” and “Hold Fast to Dreams.” Today, Hughes is recognized as one of the towering figures of American Literature whose accessible poetry challenges us to explore the power of diversity to create unity.
About Bill Thierfelder: Dr. Bill Thierfelder holds a Ph.D. in English with minors in theater, art history, and music history. After teaching Second Grade for four years and High School seniors for six months as a replacement substitute, he spent the next 32 years teaching a variety of Arts and Humanities courses at several New York and Long Island universities and colleges, including St. John’s University, Hofstra University, and Dowling College. He is currently docent emeritus from the American Museum of Natural History where he continues to give both Zoom and in-person presentations, work on special editing projects, and give tours. He also lectures regularly for libraries and educational organizations across the country via Zoom. His classroom, library, and Museum vocations have shown him quite clearly that life is all about “making wings,” hence, the name of his website: Making Wings.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.
Made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust and a variety of public libraries.