Final answer:
Langston Hughes' poem 'I, Too, Sing America' relates to the issues faced by African American students during the time of 'The Great Debaters,' highlighting themes of racial inequality undeterred aspirations for equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Langston Hughes' poem I, Too, Sing America resonates deeply with the themes of racial inequality and African American pride, reflecting the lived experiences of African Americans during the time period showcased in the film The Great Debaters.
Hughes' work, written amidst the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, conveys a profound sense of resilience and hopeful assertion of equality, seen when the speaker in the poem anticipates a future where they are recognized as an equal American. This theme runs parallel to the struggles faced by the characters in The Great Debaters, who, despite their education and eloquence, still confront the harsh realities of segregation and discrimination.
Furthermore, Hughes' personal encounters with informal segregation and disrespect from his teachers, despite his educational achievements, echo the discrimination encountered by the highly capable yet marginalized students depicted in the movie. His poem, among other works by Harlem Renaissance figures, underscores the duality of the African American experience, capturing both the aspirations for equality and the painful struggles against racism.