No one wants to call themselves racist (unless they’re really a people-hater), but it’s hard to deny how racism is built into our world.

But actually discussing it feels awkward. It’s often a touchy subject. What if we don’t say something politically correct? 

In America, we have a long history of systemic oppression. I think it’s fair to say that those who are oppressed are important to talk to, you know, to understand their stories, but what about their oppressors?

Langston Hughes, the well-known African American poet, came from an intersection of these head-to-head groups. His great-grandmothers (from his father’s side, if we’re being technical) had been African-American slaves, while his great-grandfathers were white slave owners.

You can read more about his upbringing and views on life here. All you have to know is he was proud of his race and fought for their equality.

Back in this world of prejudice, which is comparable yet different than the world Hughes grew up in, he saw that there are always efforts made by a single few individuals to make life better.

In “One Friday Morning,” Hughes writes about a character like this, a heroine if you will. The classic yet modern take on the American dream is so evident in this short story that you would willingly read outside of English class. 

A Summary

Nancy Lee is talented, smart, can play a mean game of basketball, and is adored by her school. She’s living the American dream, having received an art scholarship for a piece she created. There’s just one little catch: she’s black. 

Like a lot of kids, this isn’t a limiting factor for her at all. She still pursues what she loves and what not, along with the help of her teacher Miss Dietrich. I don’t want to give too much away, but you should read it and find out how Nancy Lee learns about the society she lives in.

 

Why you should read it

Perhaps you hate reading in your free time (or you’ve simply grown out of touch because of the American education system & the responsibilities of everyday life).

Regardless, “One Friday Morning” is worthy to break your habit. Here’s why:

1. It’s short
   1. I’ve linked a PDF which is *surprise* only 10 pages long! And not like 10 pages of dictionary-type font – 10 pages with absurdly generous margins and patriotic borders (colorful!), and 12 point Times New Roman that reads less dense than Magic Tree House
2. Easy to understand (but still has depth)
   1. Naturally we’re pretty discouraged from reading things that make zero sense to us. But Langston Hughes does a mighty fine job of writing simplistically, so you understand the plot, while still leaving a lot to be determined. (You can find a lot to judge about him *more on this later*, but hey, that’s what literary critics do)
3. It has value
   1. Its commentary (and what you can decide yourself) about social issues like racism is still relevant today, no matter how far along you think our society has come from the Civil War era. 

 

What’s Important

Although it might seem a little cliche and over-told, this spin on racism in the South talks a lot about two very important things: self worth, and how to make sure others see your worth in society.

Along the way, Hughes uses a couple of themes throughout the story again and again.

1. Color

Black, white, blue, green, red. Whether it’s the color of one’s skin or a description of Nancy Lee’s painting, Hughes’ use of color holds meaning of the division between race and the beauty of life. Color obviously has different perceptions for different readers, but his underlying message lays colorful in between the lines. (The good thing about his writing: it’s just words so you can still get it if you’re color blind).

1. Identity

Hughes knew himself – he identified with and glorified the struggling African Americans in the story. He talks about knowing the songs of Africa and having pride in your blood, and was known to forward people’s self esteem. Throughout “One Friday Morning,” other characters share their backgrounds. What’s more than race, though, is the personality and dreams of each of them that makes each character who they are, just like in life.

Another element of identity is love: embracing acceptance for who you are. Hughes, in my opinion, makes a great testament to staying true to what you love through Nancy Lee. Despite how society treats her kind, she still pledges her allegiance, and is motivated to make the country better.

1. Unity

There’s a consistent environment of hope, love, and support that shows how Nancy Lee has made it this far. With Miss Dietrich, her art teacher, and Miss O’Shay, the principal, by her side, Hughes demonstrates a power greater than a single person or idea. Others provide learning opportunities, sad stories, and endless memories. Hughes’ tone throughout is unifying, managing to persuade any reader to join forces for one little girl’s painting.

 

Langston Hughes’ writing style is blatantly plain — in fact, that’s his hallmark. In that way, his story sounds modern in its prose, even though it was published in 1941. His style, blended with dry humor in some of his other stories, is often attributed by critics to creating a new element of the American dream.

We all know the saying, “strength in numbers.” Even when there are many people who believe racism is wrong, no change against the system is viable unless they’re united.

MLK knew this, and I think all activists (including those who took the literary route, like Hughes) did too. For writers and poets, their way to bring people together was through writing. 

I think he wanted to lend credit to all the Miss Dietrich’s in the world, who might not be able to scare the government to change, but leave the greatest impact on the lives they touch. So take a shot and let Hughes’ work touch your life, too.