This final line is obviously a nod back to the the first line of the poem and emphasizes consistency in identity. The second half of the poem discusses the equality that Hughes hopes will be present in America in the future. That being said, the fact that Hughes repeats that he is America both before and after this ideal social shift shows that regardless of the Black condition in America, their importance to and presence in the country won’t change. As slaves, they are America. As equals, they are America.

This line, to me, shows just how truly important this poem is and was at the time that it was written. The whole piece is one of unwavering confidence in the Black identity, which I’d imagine was and continues to be incredibly inspiring for African Americans that read it. Though they faced (and still face) discrimination in many regards, this poem is a reminder that Black worth is not found in the restrictions that institutions place on them, but on their own sense of self.

Hughes begins the poem with a tone of confidence in his identity. From the first line, it’s clear that despite how American institutions (that are described later in the poem) treat him as the “other,” he is still an integral part of the country’s identity, just as it is an integral part of his. He still considers himself a brother, a term which suggests equality and camaraderie, regardless of the fact that he is darker.