The power of community
The power of community is one of the most significant themes in "Night Funeral in Harlem." Initially, there was some concern that the boy wouldn't be able to give a proper funeral because his family didn't have enough money. However, the family was ultimately able to give their beloved, recently deceased boy a funeral, thanks to the kindness and generosity of their community. Although the funeral wasn't lavish, it did its intended job. More significantly, though, was the outpouring of grief the family experienced. That, in their words, made the funeral "grand" and illustrated the power and importance of community to come together in difficult, struggle-filled times.
Death
The line "Who died the other day" is casual in its mention of the young man at the center of the poem's death. It suggests that such deaths are not uncommon or unexpected in black communities, especially in Harlem. The constant presence of death, especially among the youth in communities of color, speaks to the perilous nature of life—especially for those who are economically underprivileged or in otherwise marginalized communities. Though the poem doesn't specify how the young man at the center of the poem died, his death feels universal. His death could have been anyone who had an untimely death in Harlem and across the rest of the U.S. and the world.
Poverty
The family of the recently deceased boy at the center of "Night Funeral In Harlem" is unable to pay for his funeral and burial. The lines "Who was it sent the wreath?" and "Who gave his casket a spray of lilacs?" underscore the oftentimes poor economic conditions in Harlem— and in similar communities. Despite not having much themselves, the community comes together and pools enough money together so that the young man can receive a respectful burial, showing solidarity borne out of shared struggle. Through this theme, Hughes underscores the daily struggles of people who cannot even afford the basic rights of life, including having a dignified death. At the same time, Hughes also emphasizes the strength and unity of the community mentioned in the poem (and other communities more generally) as they rally around one of their own during a difficult time.
