How the Four States continue to honor three African American legacies
JOPLIN, Mo. — Reaching across different levels of history and influence, the Four State area is considered the birthplace of three prominent African Americans whose impact reaches across the nation.
“When we talk about Langston Hughes or Gordon Parks, you see people who are from cities, but they were really from the heartland. They were from right here. And I think it’s important for children to know and see this because they can see themselves,” said Nanda Nunnelly, Langston Hughes Cultural Society Founder.
Langston Hughes, George Washington Carver, and Gordon Parks – familiar names to area residents – each making significant contributions to America, in literature, science and photography.
Their work continues to influence and inspire.
Carver – born on a farm in Diamond, Missouri around 1864 – became one of the most prominent Black scientists in the early 20th century.
“When kids come here, the one thing that we try to instill is some of Carver’s sayings or some of his quotes, or especially that I can add to never, never, never giving up. Just like George,” said Curtis Gregory, GWC National Monument Park Ranger.
Commonalities the three men share include their ambition to overcome adversity, and the desire to impact the lives of all Americans.
February was selected as the month to honor Black history because of the works of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass – who were both born in February.
It should also be noted that Langston Hughes was born on February 1 in Joplin.
This is the first known residence for a Langston Hughes (below). The local Langston Hughes Society is working to memorialize this location.
“We are looking to, you know, put a marker there and hopefully have poetry readings and performances and stuff like that. Even to have some of his works in a case or something so people can stop and look at it,” said Melissa Swindell, Langston Hughes Cultural Society President.
And a little further up the road, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the birthplace of Gordon Parks.
“His story is so remarkable, and it’s a solid story about perseverance, pioneering going forward without the resource that we have today. So that’s why Gordon Parks is a very important figure in today’s world,” said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director.
“I’m not rich, but I’m not poor and I have been through struggles. And to know that he’s been through struggles too, and he made it. That makes me believe that I can make it too,” said Knew’Era Haynes, Gordon Parks Academy Student.
While all three of the men may no longer be with us, their legacy lives on in the children of today:
“It’s one heck of a story for a kid that started out here in this little Diamond with nothing, with nothing at all,” added Gregory.
“It should inspire a lot of writers, maybe actors,” said Swindell.
“That is a great outlet for other younger generation, younger photographers, poets, artists to inspire for them to make their choice a weapon,” said Sharp.
