Discovering the history of Langston Hughes in Harlem

HARLEM, New York City (WABC) -- Langston Hughes was one of the foremost figures of the Harlem Renaissance, where he lived in a brownstone for the last 20 years of his life.

Hughes lived in the house on East 127th Street from 1947 to 1967.

He was a pioneer in the poetry-to-jazz movement and wrote some of his most important works while living in Harlem.

Hughes was nicknamed the "Poet-Laureate of Harlem."

In addition to his contributions to literature and music, Hughes was a treasured member of the community and his children's garden was a noted part of the house.

According to the biography, The Life of Langston Hughes, children from the neighborhood would chose a plant, set it, and assumed partial responsibility for weeding and watering the garden. Hughes was photographed at least once beaming in their midst.

You can learn more about Langston Hughes by watching the video above and by visiting the National Parks Service website on the Langston Hughes House.