Heritage

poem by Cullen

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July 16, 2026

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"Heritage" is a significant poem by Countee Cullen, a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Published in 1925, the poem explores themes of racial identity and the complex relationship between African Americans and their African heritage.12

Cullen, known for his use of traditional verse forms and a lyrical style influenced by poets like John Keats, grappled with his identity as both a man and a poet. "Heritage" is a moving reflection on this internal conflict, questioning what Africa means to him and how it shapes his sense of self. The poem is considered a key work that captures the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of significant artistic and literary expression for African Americans.12

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African American literature
Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and Countee Cullen
…his most famous poem, “Heritage” (1925). In contrast, James Weldon Johnson embraced the African American oral tradition in God’s Trombones (1927), his verse tribute to the folk sermon tradition of Southern Black Americans.
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…his most famous poem, “Heritage” (1925). In contrast, James Weldon Johnson embraced the African American oral tradition in God’s Trombones (1927), his verse tribute to the folk sermon tradition of Southern Black Americans.
Read More