Shantel Hubert presents a Langston Hughes Tribute

English faculty, Shantel Hubert, presented, The Intersection Between the Veiled and the Masked: A Tribute to Langston Hughes, a virtual program held on February 21 through the Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Through original musical performances, poetry, and lecture, Shantel explored the playwright, poet, and author’s work in connection with the current social issues. George School students Flora Kim ’24, Rhianna Searle ’23, and Neha Kotha ’22, were selected by the English Department to present their works during the event. Flora recited and shared an analysis of Let America be America Again; Rhianna juxtaposed America a century ago with America today through recitation of Claude McKay’s America; and Neha shared and original poem, inspired by Langston Hughes’ Mother to Son. 

“During these especially challenging times, it is important to share how artists—especially writers of the Harlem Renaissance—used their works as a vehicle for community upliftment, connection, and social change,” said Shantel.

Shantel shared the program with the George School community during assembly on Friday, January 15. Following the assembly presentation, she challenged the community to commit a poem to memory. She plans for students and Advisors to participate during collection and hopes that the community at large will also take part. Participants will record a three to five minute creative presentation of their selected poem. Creative mediums can include songs, art pieces, public service announcements, film, dance, or theatrical recitation. The department will announce the finalists for The Langston Hughes Tribute Award in April to as part of National Poetry Month.