Wise Words: Freedom & Liberty

There are words like Freedom
Sweet and wonderful to say,
On my heartstrings freedom sings
All day everyday.

There are words like Liberty
That almost make me cry
If you had known what I know
You would know why.

– Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967), “Words Like Freedom”

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Langston Hughes was a poet, writer, and playwright. Born in Missouri, Hughes went on to become a key figure of New York’s Harlem Renaissance.

While the title listed is “Words Like Freedom,” the more common title is “Refugee in America.” The plaque features the poem in its two-stanza entirety.

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This quote can be found along Library Way, a stretch of East 41st Street, which leads to the New York Public Library. The plaque was sculpted by Gregg LeFevre.

This concludes featuring quotes from Library Way. Hope you enjoyed them!