Langston Hughes, an iconic figure of the Harlem Renaissance, left an indelible mark on American Literature. Born in 1902, Hughes became known for his poetry, novels, essays, and plays that explored the African American experience. His works often depicted the struggles, joy, and aspirations of black communities, capturing the rhythm and spirit of jazz and blues. Hughes’ poetry, in particular, resonated with readers worldwide, earning him acclaim as one of the most significant voices of his generation. His famous poem ‘’The Negro Speaks of Rivers’’ showcases his lyrical prowess and deep connection to African American history and culture. Throughout his career, Hughes used his writing to advocate for social justice and equality, addressing issues such as racial discrimination, economic inequality, and the quest for identity. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of poets, writers, and activists, reminding us of the power of literature to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and effect change.

Born on May 31st, 1819, In West Hills, New York, Walt Whitman became a well-respected and notable man in the world of literature and poetry. Often hailed as the ‘’Bard of Democracy,’’ revolutionized American poetry. His most famous piece, ‘’Leaves of Grass,’’ was extremely controversial for the time, and brought much critique upon Whitman. Despite this, he continued to write and persist with his themes of individualism and democracy, as well as celebrating the human spirit and the diversity that came with it. His verses, characterized by free verse and expansive themes, broke away from traditional poetic forms, embracing a style that was unique to him and telling of his personality. Whitman’s writing explored diverse topics for its time. From the wonders of nature and American beauty to the complexity of the human experience and individuality, he embraced these topics with passionate language and challenged the ideals and societal norms of the time. Walt’s passion for life and the human experience continue on despite his passing. 

Maya Angelou was an American poet, civil rights activist, and memoirist who left an indelible mark on both literature and culture. Born on April 4th, 1928 in St Louis, Missouri, Angeou’s life was quickly marked by profound challenges such as racial discrimination, poverty, and extensive trauma. Despite this, she rose above those obstacles with grace and resilience, becoming one of the most celebrated and notable voices of her generation. Anelou’s literary works, including her undeniably influential autobiography ‘’I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’’ explored controversial themes of identity, race, and the human experience with lyrical elegance and raw truths. Her poetry, such as ‘’Phenomenal Woman’’ and ‘’Still I Rise,’’ resonates with audiences worldwide, empowering generations with its messages of self-love and empowerment. Beyond Maya’s literary contributions, she was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, working alongside prominent figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Her activism mixed with her literary influence make Maya Angelou an unforgettable figure.

Sylvia Plath is a well-respected celebrity in the history of literature. Plath was an American poet, short story writer, and novelist. Sylvia Plath could captivate her readers with her raw and introspective work. Born in 1932 in Massachusetts, Sylvia’s valiant life filled with writing and inspiration came to a sad end at the young age of 30. Her death has become one of the biggest parts of her legacy and her literary achievements due to her struggle with depression. Plath’s confessional style is still marked with intensity, vivid imagery, and different perspectives that inspire and resonate deeply with people to this day. ‘’The Bell Jar’’ is easily Sylvia’s most famous work, a semi-autobiographical novel that dove into themes of mental health and societal pressures on women. Her poetry, including the collection ‘’Ariel,’’ continues to provoke deep thought and intense perspectives with its striking language and profound exploration of the human mind. 

Oscar Wilde, a legendary Irish playwright, author, and poet, left an undeniable legacy in the world of literature. Wilde’s unique writing style included large amounts of entertaining wit with his signature flamboyance. Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde’s works such as ‘’The Picture of Dorian Gray’’ and ‘’The Importance of Being Earnest’’ are staples in his legacy. Wilde also wrote many notable fairy tales which still captivate readers to this day. Known for his undeniable satire and sharp humor, his ability to see society with a sense of humor and wit is still celebrated and praised by many, some claiming no one will be able to match his comedic brilliance and social commentary. However, Wilde's life was stained by both tragedy and controversy. He was arrested and tried for his at-the-time controversial writing topics, and his identity. Despite these hardships, he remains one of the most iconic and comedic writers in the history of literature. 

Often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language or even of all time, William Shakespeare continues to captivate audiences to this very day, even hundreds of years after his passing. Born in Stratford in 1564, William’s legacy spans a range of entirely unparalleled works and genres. These include plays, poems, sonnets, and literary works. His plays such as ‘’Romeo and Juliet,’’ ‘’Macbeth,’’ and ‘’Hamlet’’ all have undying themes of love, power, and the infinity of the human condition. These themes resonate with audiences worldwide and have stood the test of time in its literary legacy. Despite being known for his influence in literature, his knowledge and masterclass skills extend beyond this. Shakespeare has created words that we now use daily. His mastery of language, complex characters, and intricate storytelling and plots set a standard for literature that has held strong for centuries. Shakespeare’s work remains relevant to this day, continuing to be performed, studied, and celebrated globally. 

Edgar Allen Poe is often hailed as the father of detective stories, being credited by many as the best poet in history. His popularity is nothing short of deserved and no one can ignore the indelible mark he left in the world of literature. Born in 1809, Poe’s life was marked repeatedly with tragedy and hardship. These issues he faced heavily influenced his work and thus many associate him with sadness and sorrow. Some of these works are ‘’The Raven,’’ ‘’The Tell-Tale Heart,’’ and ‘’The Fall of the House of Usher.’’ These pieces of literature are renowned for their dark themes and ability to dig into the deepest parts of the human mind. Edgar’s writing is also characterized by vivid imagery, detailed and complex plots, and ultimate psychological depth. Beyond his literary legacy, Poe himself lived a tumultuous life. Plagued by alcoholism, depression, financial struggles, and many personal losses, his undeniable skill and vulnerability in his writing will continue to capture the attention of literary fans for the foreseeable future.

A renowned and enigmatic figure in American literature is none other than female poet Emily Dickinson, whose poetry is so timeless that it continues to capture the attention of readers worldwide. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson lived quite an isolated life. However, her profound insights into the human mind and condition are nothing less than masterful. Despite publishing only a handful of poems, her undeniable reputation soared high as her unconventional style and her theme exploration wandered to topics such as death, nature, and spirituality, all of which resonated with its readers. Dickinson’s poetic genius lies in her skillful ability to take profound truths and complex feelings into concise, straight-to-the-point sentences. In addition to this, her work also featured unique slant rhymes, characteristic punctuation, and enigmatic imagery to get her meanings across to the reader. Dickinson’s life may have been lived as a recluse, but her literature stays social around the world as it continues to inspire and captivate its readers.

I took this photo while driving to Jackson in the car. It is unedited, and while being unedited, I think everything about it is pretty to the eye. It had just got done raining, and the sun was starting to go down. I love how the sun is peeking through the clouds a little over halfway, and gives the picture its glare. I also am in love with how there is a field in the background and further back is a group of many trees together. Everything about the picture is so bright and colorful, especially the green grass, and the sun shining directly on everything makes it just as beautiful. The only complaints I have are the smudges on the car window, which kind of distracts me from everything else. I really enjoy taking nature pictures such as ones like this one. There is nothing more fun than grabbing some of the sunsets, open fields, plants, animals, etc.

I recently moved in with my aunt a month ago, and we took in a couple cats in the house. They are basically rescues because their owners did not want them anymore and put them outside. Over the past couple of weeks of having them, I have really bonded with the white one we took in. We also had a gray and brown tabby cat. They are both some of the friendliest cats I have met, and they are well behaved to be perfect house cats. Out of both of them though, the white one seemed to have bonded with me faster, and I ended up growing an emotional attachment to him. I put a lot of thought into giving him a name and I ended up naming him Eden, which translates into perfect happiness. My little cousin ended up naming the other one Travis. I am a big animal lover and it makes me happy to be able to help these animals out.