The Writers' Journey Toward Eminence: The Lives and Stories of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: The Biographical and Documentary Research Poster Session

Abstract

Past and present African American writers have been recognized for their great works of literature, but very little is known about them. Despite their ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic hardships, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, in particular, have achieved writing eminence. Based on the Productive Giftedness Model (PGM), this study will present the common factors that supported their path towards eminence (Paik, 2013). Grandmothers, teachers, mentors, peers, schooling experiences, and how they spent their time were identified as common factors, pointing to key individual and environmental factors. An in-depth biographical study method was used to identify these key success factors. The findings will provide a deeper understanding of the supportive conditions needed for aspiring writers of color.

Authors

• Kenya Renee Marshall-Harper, Claremont Graduate University

• Susan J. Paik, Claremont Graduate University