What is the theme of the poem "Theme for English B," by Langston Hughes?

In Langston Hughes' poem, "Theme for English B," I believe
the theme deals primarily with the perceived difference between the white and black
experience...and that it shouldn't be "a black and white"
issue.

To fulfill an English writing assignment, the
speaker goes home and describes himself, providing the instructor with "truth." He
speaks of his connection to Harlem, describes the things that he likes. He acknowledges
that what is true for him may not be true for his professor, and perhaps it is because
of race. As the only black student in his class, the speaker wonders if this paper that
he writes will be "colored."

Looking deeper, the speaker
realizes that once he turns the paper in, it becomes a part of his professor. What they
do have in common is that they are American—in this way they are a
part of each other, whether they like it or not: and he admits there are times when
neither one of them likes that fact. However, while there are divisions in the American
experience, the speaker believes they can still learn from each other—learning perhaps
that what binds them is a truth for both of them...though not necessarily exactly the
same. For instance, they can both like the same food or a Christmas pipe...some of the
same things, even though they do not share the same race.

I
believe that Langston Hughes recognizes the difference of race, while he wishes there
was not an issue of color. But he is also realistic. There are
other things—things that he and the professor don't have in common:
the professor is white; he's older; and, perhaps most importantly, "somewhat more free,"
a glaring "truth" in 1951.

The theme is about trying to
overcome the obstacles that separation by race creates.