What is the theme of the poem Negroe by langston hughes?

Question

I am a negroe:

Black as the night is black,

Black like the depths of my Africa.

I've been a slave:

Caesar told me to keep his door-steps clean.

I brushed the boots of Washington.

I've been a worker:

Under my hand the pyramids arose.

I made mortar for the Woolworth Building.

I've been a singer:

All the way from Africa to Geogia

I carried my sorrow songs.

I made ragtime.

I've been a victim:

The Belgians cut off my hands in the Congo.

They lynch me still in Mississippi.

I am a negroe:

Black as the night is black,

Black like the depths of my Africa.

Answer 1

i would say the theme in this is slavery, probly set in the times of the Civil War

Answer 2

First time I've read it...quite powerful!  A time line, perhaps?

Thank you for drawing my attention to his works.

Answer 3

it's about the resiliency of the black spirit, like you can beat it, and enslave it or victimize it but here it still stands, black as night and deep as Africa.

Answer 4

I think it is saying no matter where negroes are located they get treated badly despite coming from a strong and noble source. plus the roles played by them has shifted over time.  

I gather this was written 2 centuries ago?