C.W. Post Celebrates Black History Month with Langston Hughes Exhibit

January 20, 2005 - An exhibit highlighting the life, works and legacy of poet and author Langston Hughes will open Black History Month 2005 at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville.

The exhibit, "An African American Experience: Langston Hughes - Understanding the Man, His Works and His Legacy," a narrative of Hughes' life and career, with photos and samples of his work, will be on display at the library from Feb. 1 through March 11.

Members of the C.W. Post Campus community are invited to read aloud Hughes' poems at "Poetry/Spoken Live! Celebrating Langston," an open reading in the lobby of the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library on the C.W. Post Campus Thursday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow.

Hughes (1902-1967) is best known as the poet whose works such as "I, Too, Sing America" captured the African-American experience from the 1920s through the 1960s. He was also a prolific author of novels, short stories, non-fiction books, children's books, plays and other works.

"It is a story of an American literary icon," said Professor Melvin Sylvester, head of the Periodicals Department at the library and creator of the Langston Hughes' exhibit. "Most people have heard the name Langston Hughes, but very few have taken the time to understand the genius behind the man, his works and his legacy."

The open reading will be curated by lecturer, actor, artist and curator Charles Reese and facilitated by Adjunct Professor Carolyn Grimstead of the English Department. It is part of a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the C.W. Post Campus.

The 1988 documentary "Langston Hughes: The Dream Keeper" by St. Claire Bourne will be shown at Hillwood Cinema on the C.W. Post Campus at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3. The film is open to the public.

Sylvester said persons wishing to read poems at "Poetry/Spoken Live!" should contact him in advance at (516) 299-2165.