I, Too, Sing America

by Langston Hughes

　　I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America.

　　Visit American Literature's American History and the African American Library for other important historical documents and figures which helped shape America.