Hughes' Dream Harlem

61 minutes, 2002, United States

Producer: Darralynn Hutson, Producer/Director: Jamal Joseph

Hughes' Dream Harlem

Educational Streaming

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations

Streaming licenses for institutional use—ideal for education, training, and research.

Community Screening

Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants-where no admission is charged).

Flexible options for educators, facilitators, and non-commercial screenings.

Home Viewing

48-hour personal streaming rental for in-home use only.

For individuals without institutional access.

Langston Hughes was one of the most prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance and is often referred to as Harlem's poet laureate. This film shows how Hughes successfully fused jazz, blues and common speech to celebrate the beauty of Black life. Hughes' Dream Harlem presents a vision of the esteemed poet in present-day Harlem and makes an important case for Hughes' impact on hip-hop and the spoken-word community.

This multi-layered documentary includes roundtable discussions of his contributions and a tour of Hughes' Harlem hang-outs. The distinguished actor/activist Ossie Davis offers the narration in his soulful baritone, while his wife and collaborator, the renowned Ruby Dee, reflects on Hughes' life with such notable personalities as poet Sonia Sanchez and music industry icon Damon Dash. The artists testify to his continuing impact on their work and his steadfast racial pride and artistic independence. Hughes' Dream Harlem will inspire students to discover Hughes' work while encouraging them to pursue their own writing.

Additional Langston Hughes' Resources

Hughes' Dream Harlem links the poetic voice of African Americans from the Harlem Renaissance to today's Def Poetry Jam. It demonstrates continuity from Harlem of the past to the socio-political issues facing Africans in America today in the present. — Danny Simmons, Executive Producer, Def Poetry

Hughes' Dream Harlem makes the connection to today's spoken word movement inspired by the music-based poetry form that Langston invented. — St. Clair Bourne, Filmmaker

Imaginatively filmed, this fine program is recommended for both school and public libraries. — Booklist

The interviews are incredibly powerful. This fascinating film should be a part of African American history, poetry and literature collections. — Library Journal

Hughes' Dream Harlem trailer image

Ways to Watch

Educational Streaming

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations.

Community Screening

Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants, where no admission is charged).

Home Viewing

48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply