First begin your response with some brief biographical information on Langston Hughes. Then, reflect back on the historical period that we have studied (1865-21st century) and comment on the Langston Hughes poem that concludes. There are words like Freedom/Sweet and wonderful to say./On my heartstrings freedom sings/All day and every day./There are words like Liberty/That almost make me cry./If you had known what I know/You would know why. Why do you think Foner concludes the book's final chapter with this poem? What is the poem's meaning in relation to the history of the United States? If Hughes were still alive today, do you think he would argue that his poem's still relevant? Why, or why not?

First begin your response with some brief biographical information on Langston Hughes. Then, reflect back on the historical period that we have studied (1865-21st century) and comment on the Langston Hughes poem that concludes. There are words like Freedom/Sweet and wonderful to say./On my heartstrings freedom sings/All day and every day./There are words like Liberty/That almost make me cry./If you had known what I know/You would know why. Why do you think Foner concludes the book's final chapter with this poem? What is the poem's meaning in relation to the history of the United States? If Hughes were still alive today, do you think he would argue that his poem's still relevant? Why, or why not?