Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Projection," Langston Hughes envisions a fantastical and jubilant moment of unity and celebration within Harlem, where iconic cultural and religious institutions, as well as legendary figures of African American art and spirituality, come together in an unprecedented convergence. The poem blends elements of jazz, religion, and community to create a vibrant tapestry that captures the essence of a dream-like event—a projection of what could be if barriers of separation and division were dissolved in a spirit of collective joy and harmony.

The poem begins by imagining an extraordinary event: "On the day when the Savoy / leaps clean over to Seventh Avenue / and starts jitterbugging / with the Renaissance." The Savoy Ballroom and the Renaissance Ballroom were both legendary venues in Harlem's history, known for their significant roles in the jazz and dance culture of the time. The image of the Savoy "leaping" over to Seventh Avenue and "jitterbugging" with the Renaissance suggests a breaking of physical and social boundaries, where these iconic places are no longer confined by their locations but are free to engage in a lively dance with each other. The jitterbug, a dance associated with swing music, embodies the spirit of joy, freedom, and improvisation that defined the Harlem Renaissance era.

Hughes continues this theme of unity and celebration by bringing together two prominent churches: "on that day when Abyssinia Baptist Church / throws her enormous arms around / St. James Presbyterian." These churches, important spiritual centers in Harlem, are personified as embracing one another, symbolizing the coming together of different communities within Harlem. The use of "enormous arms" conveys a sense of overwhelming love and inclusiveness, suggesting that on this imagined day, religious and community divisions will be set aside in favor of a grand, unified celebration.

The poem further enhances this vision of unity by depicting another symbolic act: "and 409 Edgecombe stoops to kiss 12 West 133rd." 409 Edgecombe Avenue was a prestigious address in Harlem, home to many influential African Americans, including civil rights leaders and artists. By personifying these addresses and imagining them in a gesture of affection—stooping to kiss—the poem suggests a breakdown of social and economic hierarchies, where places and people across different strata come together in a spirit of mutual respect and love.

The following lines, "Manhattan Island will whirl / like a Dizzy Gillespie transcription / played by Inez and Timme," invoke the energy and dynamism of jazz music. Dizzy Gillespie, a pioneering jazz trumpeter, was known for his complex, fast-paced compositions, and the reference to his music suggests that this day of unity will be full of excitement and rhythm, as if the entire city is caught up in a jazz improvisation. Inez and Timme likely refer to Inez Cavanaugh and Timme Rosenkrantz, both notable figures in the jazz scene, further grounding this imagined event in the cultural richness of Harlem's musical legacy.

Hughes then brings together legendary figures of African American culture: "Sammy Davis and Marian Anderson / will sing a duet," combining the talents of a versatile entertainer and a renowned classical singer. The pairing of "Paul Robeson / will team up with Jackie Mahley" (Mahalia Jackson, known as Jackie in her youth) unites two powerful voices in the realms of activism, spiritual music, and the fight for civil rights. These imagined collaborations symbolize the merging of different artistic and cultural traditions, creating a harmonious and powerful expression of black excellence.

The poem concludes with a nod to Father Divine, a controversial but influential spiritual leader known for his Peace Mission movement: "and Father Divine will say in truth, / Peace! / It's truly / wonderful!" This declaration of "Peace" from Father Divine encapsulates the ultimate message of the poem—a yearning for harmony, unity, and the dissolution of divisions within the community. The repetition of "truly wonderful" reinforces the joy and wonder that such a day would bring, a day when all of Harlem's rich cultural, spiritual, and artistic elements come together in a celebration of collective identity and shared humanity.

"Projection" is a poetic vision of a utopian moment in Harlem, where the barriers between different facets of the community—geographic, social, religious, and cultural—are joyously overcome. Through vivid imagery, cultural references, and a rhythmic structure that echoes the jazz music central to Harlem's identity, Hughes captures the essence of a dream-like event where unity, celebration, and peace prevail. The poem stands as both a tribute to Harlem's vibrant history and a hopeful projection of what could be achieved through collective harmony and mutual respect.

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