During the Harlem Renaissance, poet Langston Hughes faced numerous cultural challenges, including racism and socio-economic struggles. As an African American writer, he sought to authentically represent the Black experience while combating stereotypes and celebrating Black culture and identity. Hughes navigated a predominantly white literary landscape, finding his voice amidst oppression and existential questions about race. His poetry emphasized the resilience of African Americans and sought to uplift their stories, making significant contributions to both the Renaissance and American literature as a whole.