Final answer:
Langston Hughes was an influential African American poet, essayist, and activist known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. His poetry celebrated African American heritage and resilience. Zora Neale Hurston, another notable figure, used her writings to portray the life and struggles of African American women.
Step-by-step explanation:
A very famous African American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist is Langston Hughes. Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a literary and cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that sought to redefine African American expression. His poetry, such as "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and "I, Too, Sing America," celebrated African American heritage and the spirit of resilience against racial prejudice. Hughes's works not only tackled the challenges endured by Black Americans but also highlighted their dignity and culture.
Similarly, Zora Neale Hurston was another renowned figure of the era. Her most famous novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," portrays the life of an African American woman, reflecting on personal and racial struggles within the larger narrative of the Black experience. Hurston's distinct style embraced the vernacular and candid depiction of rural Black life, setting her apart during her time.
Both Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, along with other writers like Claude McKay, were instrumental in crafting a body of work that reflected the experiences and aspirations of African Americans, creating a powerful and uniquely American literary voice.