Final answer:
The term 'low-down folks' emphasizes the humble origins and resilience in Langston Hughes' family which informed his perspective on African American life and shaped his literary work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author uses the words “low-down folks” to describe Langston Hughes’ early years to highlight the socioeconomic challenges and the rich cultural background that influenced his work. Growing up with his grandmother in Lawrence, Kansas, Hughes was informed by the stories and experiences of his family's fight for justice. His grandmother, a survivor of her husband's lynching during John Brown's raid, instilled in him the legacy of striving for equality. Hughes was a product of an ethnically diverse family with roots in activism and pride, despite economic hardships. This personal history of resilience in the face of adversity is reflected in his writings, where he uses his voice as a vehicle for assailing racism and celebrating the dignity of African American life and culture.