“I Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes
Langston powerfully addresses racial exclusion and speaks of a future where Blacks will claim their freedom and Whites will be forced to acknowledge their power and civil rights. The author vividly depicts how African Americans occupied a second (inferior) position to the whites by using a domestic space analogy. Correlating Blacks’ oppression to the domestic setting offers a better perspective on the inequality African Americans experienced despite contributing immensely to the country’s development.
Hughes encapsulates the inequality, oppression, and segregation of Blacks in a manner that also delivers a message of hope for change. Regardless of the prevailing dividedness, Hughes affirms that Blacks, too, will one day be considered worthy participants in America’s social and economic growth. This poem resonates with me as it also relates to the words of other activists. For instance, Abraham Lincoln also parallels Blacks’ exclusion to a house that is not united and thus cannot stand. The poem is transformative and informs the thinking of conventional society.
“Strong Men” by Sterling A. Brown
Brown lucidly explains the difficulty Blacks experienced during the early twentieth century. He depicts slavery, segregation ordinances, and inequity as means for oppressors to look down upon Blacks and calls out to African Americans to remain strong, tyranny notwithstanding. The poem resonates with the audience owing to the author’s eloquence and utilization of compelling words.
Brown speaks of a change in perspective on African Americans’ lives where the mainstream society will ultimately appreciate Blacks’ efforts in the development and growth of America. He also repetitively addresses Blacks’ long struggle echoing the message of liberation throughout society. Brown’s poem stands out since he instills a sense of hope while also creating tension and discomfort about the ongoing oppression.