“Long, too long America“ by Walt Whitman (1881)

Late-19th century American poet Walt Whitman was one of Hughes’s early influences. Although the styles are different, “Long, too long America” and “Harlem” share a strong musicality. They also turn a critical eye toward America. Whitman writes about a postwar America having to move from learning from “joys and prosperity only” (Line 2) to confronting “crises of anguish” (Line 3). Hughes writes of an America that still refuses to listen to everyone.

“Chicago“ by Carl Sandburg (1914)

Sandburg’s poem is a tribute to Chicago, flaws and all. It shares with “Harlem” a distinctive sense of rhythm and an unflinching use of vivid imagery. Both keep focus on workers, residents, and pride. Hughes cited Sandburg as another influence.

“We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1895)

“We Wear the Mask” is Dunbar’s most famous work. It depicts African American pain in honest, heart wrenching imagery and rhyme, underscoring the disparity between public persona and inner truth through the metaphor of the mask.

“The Harlem Dancer“ by Claude McKay (1922)

Regarded as a pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance, McKay created layered, nuanced, and detailed depictions of Harlem and beyond.