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Response to Alexa’s Discussion Question #1 for Brown Girl Dreaming

by Rodaba Ghaussi

Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming directly references Langston Hughes several times throughout text. Hughes’ poem “Dreams” is featured just before the first chapter begins.

Hughes asserts that dreams are what keeps life thriving. Considering that Jackie is a young African American girl establishing her own identity in the incredibly volatile and transitional socio-cultural/political period of the 1960’s-1970’s deep south, dreams signify much more. Dreaming could lead to actions, which could lead to activism. Therefore, dreaming could lead to progress for oppressed communities, and ultimately, a more equitable chance at life. Additionally, for Jackie, who dreams as she writes, dreaming could lead inspire others to dream; thus, keeping life evolving and safe from becoming “barren,” as Hughes states.  

Woodson’s decision to name her book Brown Girl Dreaming is boldly and directly connecting to Hughes’ life lesson that people need to dream and believe in order for humanity to thrive. For Jackie, as a young African American girl facing huge multitudes of oppression, both in her youth and in her future, the concept of dreaming as a gateway to identity, and ultimately voice and activism is crucial in order for herself to flourish despite unjust obstacles. Additionally, Jackie dreams through her writing; thus, when Jackie dreams, she is finding her voice. Therefore, Jackie’s voice speaks volumes about her experiences as an African American girl, inherently providing a sense of activism in itself.

Throughout the novel, Jackie often discusses her exposure to and interest in prominent African American activists of the time period, such as Angela Davis. Woodson even draws a parallel between Jackie and Davis, by writing that “She is beautiful and powerful and has my same gap-toothed smile” (302). In “say it loud,” Woodson develops this connection further by stating that Davis “looks out from the television directly into my eyes” (305). Woodson has Jackie’s developing voice mirror the power and figurative volume of Davis’s. Woodson demonstrates that Jackie is finding her voice, through dreaming, while acknowledging the intersections of oppression that Jackie must persevere through in order to live and thrive.

Additionally, Woodson often references Hughes’ writing through her own interpretations of Hughes’ sentiments. In “Dreams,” Hughes writes that “if dreams die life is like a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” Essentially, Hughes’ argues that dreams are the pathway to growth and progress; dreams are a necessity to the continuations and evolution of life. Hughes uses natural imagery to evoke a sense of societal progress through belief and imagination. In “the garden,” Woodson harkens back to Hughes’ sentiments when she writes, “…dirt is filled with promise of what the earth can give back to you if you work the land, plant the seeds, pull the weeds” (48). Additionally, Woodson directly references Hughes as a mentor figure, channeling a traditional kunstlerroman trope by displaying a sense of apprenticeship. In “learning from Langston,” Woodson adapts one of Hughes’ poems, and reworks it into the present tense. Woodson showcases Jackie’s ability to dream, experiment, create, write, and ultimately, inspire through her creativity.