“The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes is a compelling poem in which Hughes explores not only his own past, but also the past of the black race. As the rivers grow deeper over time, so does the soul of the Negro; their waters flow eternally, while the black soul suffers. Analysis of the poem's title gives this poem a somber, yet proud tone. The fact that the title does not say “I Speak of Rivers,” but instead “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (1) shows that he is not just a Negro, but that he is not a specific Negro, but in his first personal comment, he speaks on behalf of all Negroes. However, he doesn't just speak on behalf of blacks. Considering that the allusions to “Mississippi” (9) and “Abe Lincoln” (9) are not only addressed to blacks but also to America, it is confirmed that Hughes is speaking on behalf of all African Americans. This poem is a proclamation on the entire African American history as it has grown and flourished along the rivers that gave life to these people. The diction “ancient” (3) demonstrates once again that Hughes is talking about the history and roots of African Americans. The word antique itself means something decrepit, old and primitive, clearly a word to use when talking about history and travel. This word, repeated twice in the song, highlights that there has been a long and difficult wait for black equality. Who, although they have existed since “ancient” times (3), for a long time, are still fighting for racial equality. Hughes emphasizes his message consistently throughout this poem, weaving the most important line into the middle and end of the poem. He represents his people. African Americans have waited and been mistreated by society, and this has deepened and aged their souls over time, just as a river deepens and ages. Hughes' soul, the collective soul of African Americans, has become “deep as the rivers” (5). This simile says that rivers are part of the body and contribute to this immortality that Hughes so desperately wants to achieve for his people. Rivers are earthly symbols of eternity: deep, constant, mystifying. The rivers are named in a specific order: in the order of their association with black history. By using many allusions, the context that Hughes wants to draw attention to is clear. It begins "when the dawn were young" (6), which refers to a time when blacks were used as slaves along the Euphrates in Western Asia, and ends with "Abe Lincoln's" Emancipation Proclamation (9 ) when the slaves were finally freed men..