Simple Stories, Simple Truths: A Reading and Discussion Forum featuring a series of selected works of Langston Hughes. Over a course of six sessions, participants will read a series of thematically linked short texts taken from five of Hughe's books: “The Best of Simple”, “The Return of Simple", “Simple’s Uncle Sam”, “The Langston Hughes Reader", and “The Ways of White Folks.”

The works are a compilation of short stories (dialogues) about (with) a fictional character Hughes created named, Jesse B. Semple, whose friends affectionately call, 'Simple'. Simple represents the “ordinary Black Man” who is “complex in thought, actions and attitude.” Hughes uses “simple language” to convey “simple truths” about social injustices which existed in the country during the 50’s and 60’s. Through the “readings and discussions,” the participants examine the injustices that still exist today. The stories carry humorous and serious topics that will engage the readers. At each session, participants come together with others in their community to discuss the “Simple truths” found in the readings and their relevance to their community.

Dates: March 22, 2023; April 5, 2023; April 19, 2023; May 3, 2023; May 17, 2023; and May 31, 2023 (6:00 pm)

Sponsored by a Humanities New York Reading and Discussion Forum Grant