British General Lord Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia, marking the effective end of the American Revolutionary War. The American and French forces had Cornwallis trapped, and his surrender paved the way for American independence. This victory led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally recognizing the United States as an independent nation.

TODAY’S PATRIOT

Langston Hughes (February 1, 1901 – May 22, 1967) was a poet, playwright, and activist who became a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance. His writing celebrated Black culture, spoke against injustice, and championed the dignity of everyday people. Hughes used jazz rhythms and conversational language to create a style uniquely his own. His work captured the joys and struggles of Black life in America with honesty and pride. He remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in American literature.

In his poem “I, Too,” Hughes wrote, “I, too, sing America,” asserting the place of African Americans in the national narrative. That simple line challenged exclusion and demanded equality. Hughes traveled the world, yet always returned to Harlem as his creative home. He mentored young writers and fought against racism through both art and action. His poetry still resonates with those seeking freedom, identity, and belonging.