I look at the world
From awakening eyes in a black face—
And this is what I see:
This fenced-off narrow space
Assigned to me.
I look then at the silly walls
Through dark eyes in a dark face—
And this is what I know:
Literally this refers to the buildings found in Harlem, which are brick buildings that are usually narrow and fenced on the sides. Metaphorically Hughes is pointing out how in this time period African American’s were denied the same pleasures as Caucasians and “Assigned” to different theaters, bathrooms and etc. (usually of lower quality). 
 

I Look At The World