Who is considered a leading poet of the Harlem Renaissance, known for addressing themes of segregation and discrimination?

Langston Hughes is widely recognized as a leading poet of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American heritage and artistic expression in the early 20th century. His work often addressed the harsh realities of segregation and discrimination faced by African Americans, exploring themes of identity, social justice, and the quest for equality. Hughes utilized a unique style that incorporated jazz rhythms and spoke directly to the experiences of Black Americans, making his poetry both accessible and poignant.

While other figures like Paul Laurence Dunbar contributed significantly to African American literature and also addressed similar themes, Hughes's prominence and influence during the Harlem Renaissance set him apart. Zora Neale Hurston, while an important author and anthropologist during this time, is more famous for her fiction and ethnographic studies than for poetry. Claude McKay is another notable poet from the Harlem Renaissance who tackled themes of race and identity, but Hughes's extensive body of work and his role in defining the movement solidify his position as the leading figure. Thus, Langston Hughes's contributions, particularly regarding segregation and discrimination, make him the definitive choice in this context.