"One Friday Morning" by Langston Hughes is a poem that explores the experience of a young African American student as she navigates the racism and discrimination that she encounters in her school. The poem is written in the first person, with the student narrating her own story.
The student begins by describing how she "dresses up" on Friday mornings, taking special care to look her best. This suggests that she has a sense of pride and self-worth, despite the challenges she faces. However, her pride is quickly shattered when she arrives at school and sees a portrait of George Washington hanging on the wall. She is struck by the fact that Washington, a founding father of the United States, owned slaves and that this is not mentioned in the portrait.
This realization is a turning point for the student, as she begins to understand the deeper meaning behind the portrait. She sees it not as a tribute to a great leader, but as a symbol of the racism and oppression that have shaped the country's history. The student is filled with anger and frustration at the injustice of it all, and she feels helpless to change anything.
As the poem progresses, the student's sense of hopelessness and despair deepens. She feels like an outsider in her own country, and wonders if she will ever be treated as an equal. Despite her feelings of isolation and exclusion, the student remains determined to fight for her rights and to be recognized as a valuable member of society.
In the final stanza of the poem, the student reflects on the future and wonders what it will hold for her and other young African Americans. She wonders if they will ever be able to overcome the barriers that stand in their way and achieve the equality and justice that they deserve. Despite the challenges she faces, the student remains hopeful and determined to create a better future for herself and those around her.
Overall, "One Friday Morning" is a powerful and poignant exploration of the experience of racism and discrimination in America. Through the eyes of a young African American student, Hughes paints a vivid and emotional picture of the struggles and challenges that many people of color face in this country. Despite the difficulties that the student faces, she remains hopeful and determined to create a better future for herself and those around her, and this message of hope and resilience is one that resonates deeply with readers of all ages.
