Final answer:
While Langston Hughes would likely recognize and celebrate the civil rights achievements since the 1920s, he would also be aware of current social justice issues indicating the ongoing struggle for equality. Hughes's poetry remains relevant, highlighting both the progress made and the work still required for a just society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imagining Langston Hughes being alive today, it is interesting to ponder whether he would be satisfied with the current state of social progress since the 1920s. Hughes wrote with a voice that expressed the deep frustrations and aspirations of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance, as seen in his poem "I, Too, Sing America" where he envisioned a future where all Americans would be treated equally. Given the milestones achieved in civil rights since the 1920s, including the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, the subsequent legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the election of the first African American president, Barack Obama, in 2008, one could argue that Hughes would find these developments commendable. However, the ongoing issues of systemic racism, police violence, and economic disparities that continue to affect the African American community might lead Hughes to believe that the struggle for equality is far from over. Considering his work and activism, it is probable that Hughes would be simultaneously proud of the progress made but also deeply engaged in the ongoing fight for social justice.
Hughes's ability to capture the nuances of black American life and his sharp critique of the social inequalities of his time has left a lasting impact on American literature. His poetry became a powerful tool for assailing racism and for heralding the culture and resilience of the African American community. Even today, Hughes's works remain influential, inspiring new generations to reflect on the past and to strive for social justice and equality for all. While it's difficult to speculate the exact level of satisfaction Hughes would feel about today's social climate, it's clear that his work continues to resonate in a society that is still grappling with many of the issues he addressed nearly a century ago.