...Lisk AP U.S. History 22 May 2024 The Harlem Renaissance: A Flourishing of African American Culture The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal period in American history that spanned the 1920s, marked by an extraordinary outpouring of African American art, literature, music, and thought. This cultural movement not only redefined African American identity but also had a profound impact on the broader American cultural landscape. The movement was characterized by a newfound sense of racial pride and a desire for social and economic equality. This book explores the contributions of key figures in the Harlem Renaissance, the impact of their work, and the lasting legacy of this significant cultural awakening. ORIGINS OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE The Great Migration, which saw millions of African Americans move from the rural South to urban centers in the North, set the stage for the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City, became the epicenter of this cultural explosion. The migration brought a concentration of talented individuals who sought to escape the oppressive conditions of the South and to find new opportunities in the North. The vibrancy and diversity of Harlem provided the perfect environment for a cultural renaissance....
Words: 1249 - Pages: 5
...Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance period was when the world found out that there was indeed a distinctive and varied "negro/black American" culture and it was centered here in Harlem of New York City. It was a culture movement that began around 1920s. Before it was called the Harlem renaissance it was known as the "New Negro Movement", that was named after the anthology edited by Alain Locke in 1925. The Harlem Renaissance grew out of the changes that had taken place in the black community since the abolition of slavery, and which had been accelerated as a consequence of the First World War. It can also be seen as specifically African-American response to an expression of the great social and cultural change taking place in America in the early 20th century under the influence of industrialization and the emergence of a new mass culture. This movement impacted urban centers throughout the United States. Across the cultural spectrum (literature, drama, music, art, dance) and also in social thought (sociology, philosophy), artists and intellectuals found new ways to explore the historical experiences of black America and the contemporary experiences of black life in the urban North. Challenging white superiority and racism, African-American artists and intellectuals rejected merely imitating the styles of Europeans and white Americans and instead celebrated black dignity and creativity. Asserting their freedom to express themselves on their own terms as artists, they explored...
Words: 1744 - Pages: 7
...The Harlem Renaissance's Impact on American Literature The Harlem Renaissance also known as the "New Negro Movement," was a cultural movement that spanned in the 1920's to the mid 1930's. It was a time in history that displayed the unique culture of African American expression, through literature, art, music, and dance. This African American culture grew out of Harlem, New York and symbolized freedom from the oppression of slavery. It was described as the spiritual coming of age in which African Americans had a chance to express their creativity. The Harlem Renaissance is noted as being a literary movement were African Americans could celebrate their heritage and reveal the truth about their life and the first time their literature was taken seriously by critics and publishers. The birth of the Harlem Renaissance came out of Harlem, New York in the early 1920's, "it was a time for a cultural celebration. African Americans had endured centuries of slavery and the struggle for abolition." (U.S History, 2008) It is described as racial pride and an intense desire for equality. It represented a time by the end of the war in 1919 where African Americans was going to be much more aggressive than their prewar brothers. Harlem was considered the capital of the black world, because it attracted thousands of blacks from the South and the West indies. It provided economic and education for African American artist. In Harlem, people demanded respect from those who continued to keep racist...
Words: 1061 - Pages: 5
...In the 1920’s there was a cultural movement that came about known as the Harlem Renaissance, which was also known as The New Negro Movement, named after Alain Locke in 1925 for his literature work. It is called the Harlem Renaissance due to the fact that it was the biggest district affected in the New African-American cultural expression which was also a part of the movement. Black francophone writers that originated from Africa and different parts of the Caribbean that lived in Paris played a big role in The Harlem Renaissance. Harlem was mainly a black neighborhood which attracted a wide variety of literary writers. Even though racism still was present in Harlem, the community was too diverse for cultural authority, thus making it an ideal area for cultural experiment. Three important things that allowed the Harlem Renaissance to happen so successfully were It was the most famous city situated in the western hemisphere known for publishing, word renowned ports, and the most financial and cultural capital in the U.S. African art used to portray stories also came about from the Harlem Renaissance due to an artist of the 20th century by the name of Pablo Picasso. Black history was first celebrated during the Harlem Renaissance in 1928. Langston Hughes was the most famous writer that was a part of this renaissance. He connected with his people by discussing the needs, desires and beauty of the community. Langston argued that the renaissance in the 1920’s were too racist and...
Words: 290 - Pages: 2
...The Harlem Renaissance From 1920 until about 1930 an unprecedented outburst of activity among African-Americans occurred in all field of art. Beginning as a series of literary discussions in the lower Manhattan (Greenwich Village) and upper Manhattan (Harlem) sections of New York City, this African-American cultural movement became known as “The New Negro Movement’’ and later as the Harlem Renaissance. More than a literary movement and more than a social revolt against racism, the Harlem Renaissance exalted the unique culture of African- Americans and redefined African-Americans were encouraged to celebrate their heritage and to become “The New Negro,” a term coined in 1925 by sociologist and critic Alain LeRoy Locke. One of the factors contributing to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the great migration of African-Americans to northern cities (such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.) between 1919 and 1926. In his influential book The New Negro (1925), Locke described the northward migration of blacks as "something like a spiritual emancipation." One of the factors contributing to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the great migration of African-Americans to northern cities (such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.) between 1919 and 1926. In his influential book The New Negro (1925), Locke described the northward migration of blacks as "something like a spiritual emancipation." In the 1920's African-Americans seemed to have passed...
Words: 2049 - Pages: 9
...Here is the essay with the evidence and important facts highlighted. The Enduring Legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal moment in American history, a cultural and artistic explosion that challenged existing stereotypes about African-Americans and left an indelible mark on the nation's social and cultural landscape. At the heart of this movement was a profound assertion of black identity and a celebration of the unique experiences and perspectives of the African-American community. Through the work of its artists, writers, and intellectuals, the Harlem Renaissance not only transformed the way America viewed its black citizens, but also paved the way for future generations to embrace their heritage with pride. One of the most significant impacts of the Harlem Renaissance was its ability to shatter long-held stereotypes about African-Americans. Prior to this cultural awakening, the dominant narrative surrounding black Americans was one of inferiority, ignorance, and social marginalization. The Harlem Renaissance, however, presented a radically different vision, showcasing the intellectual and creative prowess of black individuals. Writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay used their work to celebrate the richness of African-American culture,...
Words: 520 - Pages: 3
...Jon Williams History 102 Historical Paper 3-2-09 Effectiveness of the Harlem Renaissance There has been plenty of talk about our nation’s history and how America became what it is today, and the Harlem Renaissance has been one of the most understated eras of our country’s history. The Harlem Renaissance not only boosted the quality of life for African Americans, but it also sparked tremendous progress with how all of America viewed the once hidden talents of African Americans during that time period. Also, it influenced a whole new generation of African American arts and literature in the United States. The Harlem Renaissance was an African cultural movement that was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Some historians say that it is unclear as to when it actually started, but Dr. Cary Wintz, chair of the department of history at Texas Southern University, claims that the Harlem Renaissance began in 1919 and lasted until the mid-1930’s. (Wintz) It began when many socially conscious and intellectual African Americans moved from the economically depressed south to the industrial cities of the north to take advantage of the employment opportunities that had risen because of World War I. As more and more socially conscious and educated blacks moved to Harlem, it started to become the cultural center for black people in America. The Harlem Renaissance had a huge impact on African American literature. Most blacks during that time period had a sense of wanting...
Words: 749 - Pages: 3
...Harlem Renaissance was a time of explosive culture and growth in the black community. During this time in the 1920s and 30s, it was not only the birth place of jazz but also we heard voices of the African American Authors who were taken serious by their white connects for the first time in history. It focused on portraying black culture and life in the ghetto. And it gave the African American Culture uniqueness within literature and art. Harlem Renaissance was an evident racial pride that symbolized the melodic theme of the New Negro. New Negro challenged the penetrating racial discrimination to encourage socialistic help of art and literature. As to be significant in the Harlem Renaissance the writers used poetry to present the African American experiences. Grabbing the attention between both black and white readers around the world. One Poet that set that bar really was Langston Hughes he was one of the most popular black poets of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes was great at his job with more diversity in his choice of writings. He had written Plays, Novels, Poems, and Short Stories, Most of his writings were the real situations that really happened in black cultures. Movies were highly looked up upon in the Harlem Renaissance. D.W. Griffith directed “The Birth of a Nation” the film was over African Americans directors who countered negative stereotypes promoted in majority of the mainstream movies. Then released films in The Harlem Renaissance showcased the struggle of the...
Words: 2245 - Pages: 9
...Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic movement where African Americans were represented. The Harlem Renaissance had black culture, mostly from the United States and the Caribbean, and it spread across beyond Harlem. There are a couple of names for this period of time such as “ the Blues” ,“ The Jazz Age ”, “ The New Negro Movement” among others. Many African American musicians, writers, performers, poets, and any person that worked in the arts were influenced by this American cultural setting. The Harlem Renaissance took place around 1920 and ended at sometime in the 1930’s. Some scholars think that the time is from 1918 to 1937. (U.S. History, Harlem Renaissance paragraph 1-2)...
Words: 741 - Pages: 3
...The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance was a 20th century movement of diverse art forms occurring in New York City. During the time this change was referred to as "New Negro Movement” (Johnston). The movement was responsible for giving new opportunities to African American artists. Additionally, the Harlem Renaissance empowered everyday black Americans that were discriminated against. During this time, there were several notable figures that helped lead and expand the movement. As a result, the Harlem Renaissance has made an enormous cultural impact in the United States. The initial emergence of the Harlem Renaissance can be traced back to 1865. During this time, African Americans were experiencing their first chance of freedom. After...
Words: 954 - Pages: 4
...The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s. At the time, it was known as the "New Negro Movement", named after the 1925 anthology by Alain Locke. Though it was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, many French-speaking black writers from African and Caribbean colonies who lived in Paris were also influenced by the Harlem Renaissance.[1][2][3][4] The Harlem Renaissance is unofficially recognized to have spanned from about 1919 until the early or mid-1930s. Many of its ideas lived on much longer. The zenith of this "flowering of Negro literature", as James Weldon Johnson preferred to call the Harlem Renaissance, was placed between 1924 (the year that Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life hosted a party for black writers where many white publishers were in attendance) and 1929 (the year of the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression). Contents [hide] 1 Background to Harlem 2 Development of African-American community in Harlem 2.1 An explosion of culture in Harlem 3 Music 4 Characteristics and themes 5 Influence of the Harlem Renaissance 5.1 A new black Identity 5.2 Criticism of the movement 6 Notable figures and their works 6.1 Novels 6.2 Short story collections 6.3 Drama 6.4 Poetry 6.5 Leading intellectuals 6.6 Visual artists 6.7 Popular entertainment 6.8 Musicians and composers 7 See also 8 References 9 External links 10 Bibliography Background to Harlem [edit] Until the...
Words: 3129 - Pages: 13
...The Civil War brought significant changes for African Americans, as they were freed from slavery. However, rather than achieving complete legal, political, and economic equality during the Reconstruction Era, which lasted from the end of the Civil War until 1877, African Americans continued to be second class citizens. As will be argued in this paper, African Americans experienced hardship and significant discrimination after 1877 due to racist laws, social, economic, and educational inequality; however, as laws and cultural sentiments about blacks changed during the Civil Rights Era, African Americans today have more political, economic, and educational opportunities than ever before. On the following pages, this paper will trace the path of African Americans to equality by discussing salient events in African American history from 1877 to the present. Significantly, as the author believes, while progress has been made since the nineteenth century, complete equality remains elusive even today for many African American men and women. The end of slavery did by no means lead to the immediate equality of African Americans in American society. The years after the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era, were characterized by wide-spread discrimination against African Americans. In the South, so-called Jim Crow laws effectively barred African Americans from having very basic civil liberties. Public and social life in the South but also in other places in the United States, was strictly...
Words: 1373 - Pages: 6
...The Harlem Renaissance was a classical period during 1919-1940 that used humor to address, societal, racism, and other cultural issues. Langston Hughes was a major figure during the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance helped African American authors develop better in art in writing. It helped African Americans leave a bigger legacy and inspire those around them. The Harlem Renaissance gave a clear understanding of how blacks go through racism but in a humorous way. It was seen a big cultural movement for African Americans to over step racial prejudice. One of the major authors during the Harlem Renaissance was Langston Hughes. Hughes helped in shaping the artistic view of how we see certain situations. One of his famous poems during...
Words: 396 - Pages: 2
...Many could argue that the Harlem Renaissance left no long lasting impact on the art and culture seen today. However, it can also be argued that the effects of the movement will still be heard and seen long after the current generation is gone.The Harlem renaissance was a cultural reemergence that greatly impacted America as a whole, and in the present day you can still see the lasting effects of this movement on art and African American culture today. The reclamation of the Black Identity The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great change in America, and it was during this movement that we saw the true African identity integrated with what is considered the African American Identity as we know it today. The African American population largely...
Words: 668 - Pages: 3
...Running head: Essay #2 Essay #2 Darius McPherson Post University Essay #2 The Harlem Renaissance literature was a spark to African American which created many opportunity for black people to be inspirer to speak out. This allows poets to express them feeling against racism and that equality should be given to the black community. The literature of the Harlem Renaissance gave black people a chance to allow themselves to be heard. This gave hope to the black people an idea to use the (“cultural uniqueness through literature and art”). The Harlem Renaissance wanted the concentration to be on the literature which was used with creativity by the black people to portray black people life. The Renaissance made African American in a way that got them to a higher level to use music, and art to form the start of their own literature which created the new Negro movement. Everything was progressing for the black community as African American started using the visual of art which led them to the creation of jazz music and the approach of literature that shook the cultural into new ideas. With the Renaissance getting the recognition, Langston Hughes was a upcoming writer who would seem to become one of the best writer, poets of his time. Mr. Hughes was an inspire writer in which he wanted African Americans to feel good about themselves. Langston Hughes career as a writer, he talks about the “hardship, poverty, inequality”...
Words: 798 - Pages: 4
