BEYOND THE FREEDOM TRAIN
THE DOCUMENTARY
The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is July 4, 2026 and many Americans throughout the country will be celebrating freedom and contemplating the state of our democracy.
But no reflection will be complete without the voices of the nation’s poets reminding us to imagine a better future for all instead of just a select few.
As we embark upon this significant milestone, we are excited to invite new, emerging, and established poets to submit an original poem that may be included in a short film that honors Langston Hughes (1901-1967) and tells the story of his powerful poem, Freedom Train.
Hughes is recognized today as a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance and his work is known for its honest portrayal of Black life in America and social inequity.
Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.
“America is a land in transition. And we know it is within our power to help in its further change toward a finer and better democracy than any citizen has know before. The American Negro believes in democracy. We want to make it real, complete, workable, not only for ourselves - the thirteen million dark ones - but for all Americans all over the land.”
— Langston Hughes
Journal of Educational Sociology, February 1943
Director’s Statement
It is the honor of my lifetime to direct a film that features the poetry of Langston Hughes. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I was exposed to his work at a very early age by my father, who was also a poet, and through visits to Karamu House.
Karamu House is the oldest producing Black Theatre in the United States opening in 1915. Langston Hughes lived in Cleveland, Ohio when he was young and attended Central High School. Karamu House was a support and refuge for him as a young writer.
In 1961, Karamu House commissioned Hughes to write Black Nativity, a work that remains a staple of Black theatre.
I remember seeing lots of plays at Karamu House as a child and even taking acting classes one Summer. I’ve always been inspired by Hughes’ ability to write everything - poems, songs, screenplays and even operas.
He was constantly evolving as an artist and had such a prolific career because he never quit. I’ve learned many lessons about being a productive and successful creative from reading books by and about Langston Hughes.
In Beyond the Freedom Train, you will discover how deeply committed Langston Hughes was to racial justice. His poem, Freedom Train, is just one example of how he used his words to help create a democracy that works for everyone!
The American Freedom Train tour embarked on September 17, 1947, the 150th anniversary of the signing of the constitution. The exhibition is more than a moment in history, it is a measurement of time and a chance for deep reflection as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
We believe producing this film is an important journey worth taking and the opportunity to share what we’ve learned with you at one of our screenings is the best part of trip!
Evolyn Brooks
Director & Executive Producer, Beyond The Freedom Train
Evolyn Brooks visiting Karamu House during a trip home to Cleveland, Ohio
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