Rachel Dolezal names her son after celebrated black figures Langston Hughes and Crispus Attucks

The black rights activist sparked controvery last year when she was 'outed' as white

Every parent has the right to name their child according to their wishes.

And so too Rachel Dolezal, the black rights activist who sparked controversy when she was “outed” as being white. This week it has emerged that the former president of the Spokane chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) has named her new-born son after two celebrated African Americans.

Today, we welcomed the newest addition... Langston Attickus, born on 2/16/16, a healthy and perfect little guy with two proud big bros and a happy momma. (named after Langston Hughes & Crispus Attucks) ❤️

Posted by Rachel Dolezal on Tuesday, 16 February 2016

In a posting on Facebook, Ms Dolezal said she had named her son Langston Attickus Dolezal. She revealed she had been inspired in her decision by famed activist and poet Langston Hughes, and Crispus Attucks, thought to have been the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War.

“Today, we welcomed the newest addition… Langston Attickus, born on 2/16/16, a healthy and perfect little guy with two proud big bros and a happy momma,” she wrote.

Langston Hughes, who died in 1967, was a leader of the so-called Harlem Renaissance (AP)

The TMZ website reported that Arnold Rampersad, the executor of Hughes’ estate, said he believed the name selection was ideal.

Mr Rampersad said the “Harlem Renaissance” poet frequently wrote about sexual relations between different races, and understood the “pains of what used to be called” a ‘voluntary Negro’ - a term for a white person who chooses to fight for black rights.

He also compared Ms Dolezal to Walter Francis White, a man of mixed race who lead the NAACP for 24 years.