Langston Hughes was a pillar for African Americans in the 20th century who advocated for their beliefs and lifestyle through his poetry. As part of the Harlem Renaissance movement, a period of cultural and artistic flourishing, Hughes' beliefs were important to expressing the originality of African American expression. Three of Hughes' most notable works that conveyed his support for individual expression within black culture were "The Negro Artist," "In Dream Boogie," and "Racial Mountain." "The Negro Artist" in particular was influential for the Harlem Renaissance by outlining Hughes' views on African American art.