Juneteenth: Langston Hughes

Today is Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Today I want to recognize Langston Hughes who has had a profound impact on my life with his insightful poem, “I Too”.

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.

Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—

I, too, am America.

Langston Hughes, 1926

Thank you Mr. Hughes. Thank you.

I’d also encourage you to watch the inspiration of today’s Google Doodle. It’s well done and taught me a lot about this holiday.

Shout out to 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash for the featured image on this post.