Langston Hughes is usually thought of as a poet, but he also wrote novels, plays, short stories, essays, autobiographies, newspaper columns, children's books, and the words to operas. He also translated into English the works of foreign poets. Hughes was one of the first black writers who could support himself by his writings. He is praised for his ability to say what was important to millions of black people. Hughes produced a huge amount of work during his lifetime. He also has influenced the works of many other writers. He wrote for almost fifty years.

Langston Hughes is famous for his descriptions of black American life. He used his work to praise his people and voice his concerns about race and social injustice. His work is known all around the world and has been translated into many languages. Hughes's poetry had serious messages. He often wrote about racial issues, describing his people in a realistic way. Although his story was not often pleasant, he told it with understanding and with hope. Langston Hughes thus is a voice of the havenots, downtrodden and the marginalized sections of the scoiety not only in America but also elsewhere.