This is a discussion of the lives and times of Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and Ralph Ellison; three black American writers whose individual and collective literary influence helped shape the face of this great nation. While separately unique, these three men shared a number of commonalities. This discussion will explore their literary success and their individual themes. It will also expose how each of their early backgrounds influenced the writings of this intellectually broad and pioneering minority of powerful American history makers. While most people can waste their lives trying to find a way to make a reasonable difference to those around them. , Langston, Richard and Ralph each had their own contribution, through simply honest expression. These few men helped foster the strength and continuation of the American heartbeat by sharing with the world what they felt inside, at a time when their outward appearance was unacceptable to so many. While not without controversy, these three countries nevertheless helped forge a great and wonderful American paradigm shift of tolerance and understanding. From 1902 to 1994, America witnessed the lives of our subjects. The first to arrive was Langston Hughes. Born in Joplin, Missouri, on February 1, 1902, he was the second son of school teacher Carrie Mercer Langston and James Nathaniel Hughes. Langston was born into a politically active elite family, whose ancestors were racially mixed. In 1888, Hughes' great-uncle, John Mercer Langston, became the first African American to be elected to the United States Congress from Virginia. In 1858, Langston's maternal grandfather, Charles Henry Langston, worked for the abolitionist cause and helped lead the Ohio... middle of paper... and a trumpeter from a young age on top of everything else. .Ralph had a wonderful life in many ways. He helped the world understand the contributions made by African Americans to America's national identity. In 1969 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1994 Ralph Ellison died of pancreatic cancer. To Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and Ralph Ellison, America owes a debt of gratitude. In their works amazement ceases; suffering seems to have a purpose. But without the painful disadvantages of their young lives and those of others like them, there would not be the fire, drive or ambition needed to set the record straight, or to make eyes see what all eyes should see . In their contributions, Americans of the past, present and future are better able to look at themselves in a historical mirror and unlock the secrets of national reflection.