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

Carrburritos Announces Move to Former Elmo’s Diner Location in Carr Mill Mall
A Carrboro staple is making a big move after nearly 30 years in business. Carrburritos, a popular burrito restaurant, will take over the Carr Mill...
Sun Jun 14, 2026

Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026: Much More Than A Game
The University of North Carolina will host or participate in business, cultural, academic, athletic, and arts events in Dublin, Ireland, the week leading up to...
Thu Jun 11, 2026

UNC Army ROTC earns prestigious MacArthur Award
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Army ROTC program has been named a recipient of the prestigious Gen. Douglas MacArthur Award for the fifth time in its history, recognizing...
Thu Jun 11, 2026

UNC alum, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Anne Marie Hagerty is ‘The Envoy’
Anne Marie Hagerty travels the world interviewing people for “The Envoy Show,” a docuseries about how food impacts health, economic growth and sustainable tourism in...
Wed Jun 10, 2026