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One of the great needs of Negro children is to have books about themselves and their lives that can help them be proud.
Langston Hughes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Black children need representation in literature to foster pride in their identity.

Langston Hughes emphasizes the importance of representation in literature for Black children. He argues that having access to books that reflect their own experiences, culture, and history is essential for fostering a sense of pride and self-identity among Black youth, which can positively affect their self-esteem and development.

Themes

RepresentationIdentityLiteraturePrideEducation

In practice

Example use cases

A teacher might use this quote to highlight the importance of diverse reading materials in the classroom.

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I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
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My writing has been largely concerned with the depicting of Negro life in America.
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I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
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An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.
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The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.
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