A River of Time: The Enduring Legacy of Langston Hughes

Hidden within the heart of Harlem, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture houses a poignant memorial to the legendary Langston Hughes. The "Rivers" cosmogram, a mesmerizing artwork inspired by Hughes' iconic poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," takes us on a breathtaking journey through time and space. As we delve deeper into this captivating piece, we'll uncover the profound connections between ancient civilizations, the African diaspora, and the enduring spirit of Black culture.

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A River Runs Through It: A Tribute to Langston Hughes

Beneath the floor of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a poignant memorial honors the legacy of the renowned American poet, Langston Hughes, born James Mercer Langston Hughes. In 1991, on what would have been his eighty-ninth birthday, the center commemorated his life’s work by interring his ashes within a small vessel beneath the polished terrazzo floor.

The memorial, titled “Rivers,” is a stunning cosmogram designed by artist Houston Conwill. Inspired by Hughes’s iconic poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” the artwork pays homage to both Hughes and the center’s namesake, Arturo A. Schomburg. The cosmogram incorporates lines from the poem, most notably the central image of a soul “grown deep like the rivers.” These lines, along with intricate patterns and symbols, connect the birthplaces of Hughes (Missouri) and Schomburg (Puerto Rico) to Harlem, weaving a tapestry of cultural and historical significance.

A Poetic Journey Through Time

Hughes’s poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” evokes powerful imagery of ancient civilizations and the enduring spirit of the African diaspora. The Euphrates, the Congo, the Nile, and the Mississippi—each river represents a chapter in the history of Black people, from the dawn of civilization to the struggle for freedom in America. Conwill’s cosmogram beautifully captures this poetic journey through time, visually representing the deep roots and far-reaching influence of Black culture. 

Houston Eugene Conwill, a multidisciplinary artist known for his large-scale public installations, created a lasting tribute to Hughes and the African American experience. His work often explored themes of spirituality, history, and social justice, and the “Rivers” cosmogram is a testament to his artistic vision.

The Negro Speak of Rivers River Mixer
The "RIVERS" Cosmogram, New York Public Library

A Lasting Legacy

Langston Hughes, a towering figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was a prolific writer whose work continues to inspire and resonate with readers today. His poetry, plays, novels, and essays explored the African American experience with raw honesty and poetic beauty.

The “Rivers” cosmogram is a fitting tribute to Langston Hughes, a reminder of his enduring legacy and the power of art to connect people across time and space.

Langston Hughes River Mixer
American Poet Langston Hughes

The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes

I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.
 
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
 
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
 
I’ve known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
 
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Keep them clean!

As we contemplate the profound impact of Langston Hughes and the artistry of Houston Conwill, let us be inspired to protect and preserve our waterways. Rivers, like the ones that flowed through Hughes’s poetry, are vital to our planet’s health and our cultural heritage. By taking simple steps to reduce pollution, conserve water, and support river restoration projects, we can ensure that future generations will continue to be inspired by the beauty and power of these natural wonders. Let us honor the legacy of Langston Hughes and other great artists by committing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our rivers.

F.A.Q.

Rivers symbolize the historical and cultural journey of African Americans, connecting them to ancient civilizations and the diaspora. They represent themes of resilience, heritage, and the enduring spirit of Black people.

The cosmogram pays homage to Hughes’s poem by visually representing the rivers mentioned in the text. It also incorporates symbols and patterns that link the poet’s birthplace to Harlem, emphasizing his cultural and historical significance.

The Schomburg Center is a world-renowned research library specializing in the history and culture of people of African descent. It houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials related to the African diaspora.

The “Rivers” cosmogram symbolizes the historical and cultural journey of African Americans, connecting them to ancient civilizations like Egypt and the Congo. It highlights the diaspora’s impact on global culture and its enduring spirit.

A cosmogram is a symbolic diagram or map that represents a cosmology, or a particular understanding of the universe. It often uses geometric shapes and symbols to depict the relationship between humans, the Earth, and the cosmos.

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Editor's note

This blog post uses publicly available information from various sources, synthesized with the help of AI, as a starting point for exploring the world of rivers. Our editors review the content for accuracy, though we encourage readers to verify information intended for primary source use. We strive to use public domain, licensed, or AI-generated images; due to the nature of online sharing, individual image sources are generally not credited. Please contact us regarding any copyright concerns.

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