More than 90 years ago, poet Langston Hughes visited UNC amidst controversy

Posted Apr 20, 2023
When Langston Hughes, a world-renowned poet, author and playwright was invited to speak at the then all-white University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1931, the event caused a major stir. The university was strongly criticized for inviting Hughes to campus and UNC president Frank Graham received many letters calling for the visit to be canceled. (WFAE)

Related: Campus Connections

A guide to the most iconic UNC campus characters
The beloved campus crossing guards by South Road have left the most positive effect on my time at UNC out of any of the campus...
Sun Sep 27, 2026

Video: Carolina Insider - Ken Cleary On Montross Day Of Service
UNC Assistant Athletic Director for New Media Ken Cleary discusses his role in GoHeels Productions (1:14), his personal journey with cancer and recovery (12:47), and...
Fri Sep 25, 2026

Audio: 100 Years of Kenan Stadium - 'My Most Memorable Day'
Spring commencement is one of the busiest days of the year at Kenan Stadium. It’s an emotional day for UNC graduates, marking the end of...
Thu Sep 24, 2026

Lucas: The Best
It was fitting that a day devoted to commemorating the spirit of one of Carolina's best seemed to bring out the best in everyone involved...
Thu Sep 24, 2026