"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" And the Plight of African Americans "The Negro Speaks of Rivers", by Langston Hughes, is a compelling poem that goes deep into Hughes' soul. This poem is full of many themes, such as racial pride and relating to one's ancestors or roots, which in this case is all tied to rivers. But what do these rivers convey about the history of the African People? "The Negro Speaks of River" speaks …showed first 75 words of 572 total…

…showed last 75 words of 572 total…feeling of freedom as well as the new life that the Negro would have from that moment on. This poem also represents the growth of Hughes' soul. As with the rivers, Hughes' soul is growing, deep, and forever. Line four states this by saying, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers." Throughout all of the hardships that African people have endured, one thing remains clear and that is that their souls cannot be destroyed.