Dominate the Whittier Academic Team Challenge 2025 – Test Your Smarts and Shine!

The correct choice revolves around the notable friendship and mutual admiration between Paul Laurence Dunbar, a pioneer in African American literature, and significant literary figures of his time. The support of Dunbar's poetry is most prominently attributed to Langston Hughes, who recognized Dunbar's contributions to the form and the themes of African American identity that resonate in his works.

Hughes drew inspiration from Dunbar’s exploration of race and culture, often echoing similar sentiments in his own poetry. This connection highlights a lineage of literary influence, where Hughes saw Dunbar as a foundational figure in African American literature, paving the way for future writers.

Contrastingly, the other individuals listed do not share the same level of documented literary engagement or direct encouragement of Dunbar's work. For example, while the Wright Brothers are notable for their contributions to aviation, they did not have a relationship with Dunbar in the context of literature. Similarly, Booker T. Washington focused more on education and vocational training for African Americans, and though he may have admired Dunbar’s work, his primary efforts were not geared towards supporting poetry. Lastly, Marcus Garvey, known for his role in the black nationalist movement, had different priorities that did not specifically include the promotion of Dunbar