The sun
The sun, which is featured prominently in the poem, is a powerful symbol of warmth and freedom. For the African Americans who experienced racism and other unsavory behavior, the sun represented freedom. After all, in the sun, they are able to go outside and be themselves.
The "tall tree"
The tall tree is a powerful and multifaceted symbol of the stability and strength of African American identity, culture, and history. Despite the challenges they faced throughout history, the African American identity remained rooted and resilient, much like a tree. Additionally, trees naturally offer shade. Within the context of the poem, this shade is a sanctuary from the scorching proverbial challenges of racial prejudice and discrimination.
Whirling and dancing
Whirling and dancing are a motif in the novel. When Hughes talks about the freedom that African Americans desire (and sometimes have), he invariably mentions whirling and dancing, which are symbolic of the desire many have to be free.
Night
The night, which the narrator says is "Black like me," is symbolic of Black culture itself. The night is something that, historically, many Black people had to take refuge in because of the color of their skin. Ultimately, though, after fighting hard for what they deserve, Black people are able to emerge from the night and spread their culture for the rest of the day.
