Chapter 4, Central High Summary

Langston's stepfather, Homer Clarke, eventually found work at a Steel Mill in Cleveland, and Langston and his mother moved to join him in that city. Unable to stand the heat of the steel furnaces, Homer soon accepted a job as a janitor. Langston's mother was employed as a maid.

Langston was enrolled at Central High School, where the students were predominantly from poor families, but not necessarily black. Langston was an active member of several teams and clubs, including; the track team, the French Club, Student Council, the American Civics Association, the school paper, and the Home Garden Club. He also became involved in the Karamu House, a community center that was built around the corner from his house. Here, he learned painting and ceramics, but was still disinterested in writing and poetry.

Hughes also became interested in social...