James Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was the great-great-grandson of Charles Henry Langston, who was the brother of John Mercer Langston, the first Black American elected to public office.

He hasn’t written much, but he's known for his poem “Democracy”.

This poem was written during a time when advancements in civil rights were delayed due to political moderation; it criticizes passive waiting, a period when appeals for equality were often met with calls for patience. 

The poem challenges the era’s tendency to delay justice, using proverbs like “Tomorrow is another day” to turn such sayings into instruments of oppression rather than symbols of hope. 

Emphasizing "standing on my two feet” links physical presence with political rights. Its tone is closer to protest speech than lyrical tradition. 

Read the poem here -  

Democracy will not come
 Today, this year
   Nor ever
 Through compromise and fear.

 
 I have as much right 
 As the other fellow has
  To stand
 On my two feet 
 And own the land.

 
 I tire so of hearing people say, 
 Let things take their course.
 Tomorrow is another day.
 I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
 I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.

 
      Freedom
      Is a strong seed
      Planted
      In a great need.

 
      I live here, too.
      I want freedom
      Just as you.