Madam's Past History
Madam's Past History - context Summary
Great Depression Perspective
In first-person voice, Langston Hughes gives a brief, colloquial portrait of Alberta K. Johnson, an African American woman who ran small businesses and then lost them amid economic decline. The poem shows encounters with relief programs like the WPA and emphasizes self-reliance and resilience despite hardship. It reflects the experiences of Black women during the Great Depression and appears in the collection The Dream Keeper and Other Poems.
Read Complete AnalysesMy name is Johnson-- Madam Alberta K. The Madam stands for business. I'm smart that way. I had a HAIR-DRESSING PARLOR Before The depression put The prices lower. Then I had a BARBECUE STAND Till I got mixed up With a no-good man. Cause I had a insurance The WPA Said, We can't use you Wealthy that way. I said, DON'T WORRY 'BOUT ME! Just like the song, You WPA folks take care of yourself-- And I'll get along. I do cooking, Day's work, too! Alberta K. Johnson-- Madam to you.
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