What alternative name was the Harlem Renaissance known by during its time?

During its time, the Harlem Renaissance was known as the "New Negro Movement." This name was derived from Alain Locke's influential 1925 anthology, "The New Negro: An Interpretation."

Beyond Harlem, where else did the New Negro Movement's cultural expressions extend?

The New Negro Movement's cultural expressions extended across urban areas in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. These developments were influenced by a renewed militancy in the struggle for civil rights and the Great Migration of African-American workers.

What were the primary push factors driving the Great Migration of African Americans from the South?

The Great Migration was driven by African-American workers fleeing the racist conditions of the Jim Crow Deep South. Factors included institutionalized racism, economic exploitation, and the devastating impact of the boll weevil on cotton yields, which disproportionately affected the Black population.

How did the Great Migration contribute to the concentration of African Americans in Harlem?

Harlem became the final destination for the largest number of African Americans migrating north during the Great Migration. This influx transformed Harlem into a major center for African-American culture and intellectual life.

What was the timeframe considered the zenith of the Harlem Renaissance's literary output?

The zenith of the Harlem Renaissance, described by James Weldon Johnson as a "flowering of Negro literature," occurred approximately between 1924 and 1929. This period ended with the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression.

What historical context preceded the Harlem Renaissance regarding African Americans' civic participation?

Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, African Americans strove for civic participation, political equality, and economic self-determination. African-American congressmen delivered speeches on civil rights legislation, and sixteen African Americans served in Congress by 1875, indicating early gains in civil empowerment.

How did white supremacist regimes in the South impact African Americans after Reconstruction?

After Reconstruction, white supremacist regimes, often led by Democrats, implemented racist terrorism, disenfranchised most African Americans, and established Jim Crow segregation laws. They also instituted a convict labor system that resulted in brutal conditions and high death rates for Black laborers.

What role did Philip A. Payton Jr. play in the development of Harlem as an African-American community?

Philip A. Payton Jr. founded the Afro-American Realty Company in 1903. His company aimed to combat housing discrimination and encourage Black migration into Harlem, playing a key role in establishing it as a predominantly African-American neighborhood.

What economic factors, besides racism, encouraged African Americans to migrate from the South?

The arrival of the boll weevil, an agricultural pest, significantly impacted cotton yields in the South, causing economic hardship for many African Americans who were dependent on agriculture. This economic instability added another impetus for migration to the North.

What was the significance of the 1917 plays by Ridgely Torrence?

The 1917 premiere of plays like "Granny Maumee" by Ridgely Torrence, featuring African-American actors portraying complex emotions and rejecting blackface stereotypes, was considered a landmark event. James Weldon Johnson called it the most important single event in the history of Black people in American theater.

How did Claude McKay's sonnet "If We Must Die" resonate with African-American readers?

Claude McKay's militant sonnet "If We Must Die," published in 1919, resonated deeply with African-American readers as a note of defiance against the racism, nationwide race riots, and lynchings occurring at the time, even though it did not explicitly mention race.

What did Hubert Harrison argue about the concept of the Harlem Renaissance?

Hubert Harrison, considered "The Father of Harlem Radicalism," challenged the notion of the Renaissance in 1927. He argued that the term overlooked the continuous stream of literary and artistic work by Black writers since 1850 and suggested the "Renaissance" was largely a white invention.

What did Langston Hughes mean when he stated Harlem gave African Americans the courage 'to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame'?

Langston Hughes's statement reflects the sense of acceptance and empowerment fostered by the Harlem Renaissance for Black writers. It allowed them to explore and express their identities and experiences authentically, free from the shame often imposed by societal racism and stereotypes.

What is considered the cornerstone of the Harlem Renaissance's cultural revolution?

Alain Locke's 1925 anthology, "The New Negro," is widely considered the cornerstone of the Harlem Renaissance's cultural revolution. It featured works by numerous prominent African-American writers and poets, showcasing the movement's artistic and intellectual achievements.

How did jazz music influence the Harlem Renaissance, particularly regarding instrumentation?

The Harlem Renaissance saw the development of the Harlem Stride style of piano playing, which helped bridge social divides. The piano, traditionally an instrument of the wealthy, became more accessible through jazz, allowing wealthy African Americans greater engagement with the genre.

Name several influential jazz musicians and bandleaders active during the Harlem Renaissance.

Key figures in jazz during the Harlem Renaissance included pianists and composers like Eubie Blake, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, Willie "The Lion" Smith, and Fats Waller. Bandleaders Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, along with singers Ethel Waters and Adelaide Hall, were also central to the era's vibrant music scene.

What was the significance of the musical "Shuffle Along"?

"Shuffle Along," debuting in 1921 with music by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle, was a landmark African-American musical. It was produced, composed, and written entirely by Black artists, brought jazz to Broadway, and proved that Black and White audiences would support Black performers on stage.

How did fashion change for women during the Harlem Renaissance?

Women's fashion during the Harlem Renaissance shifted from more conservative styles to the fashionable looks of the 1920s, including short skirts, silk stockings, drop-waisted dresses, and cloche hats. Accessories like long pearl necklaces and feather boas added to the sense of elegance and flamboyancy.

Describe the typical fashion for men during the Harlem Renaissance.

Men's fashion during the Harlem Renaissance often featured loose suits, which later influenced the Zoot suit style. They also wore wide-brimmed hats, colored socks, white gloves, and Chesterfield coats, sometimes incorporating leopard-skin coats as a symbol of African heritage.

What was the role of James Van Der Zee's photography during the Harlem Renaissance?

James Van Der Zee's photography was crucial in documenting and shaping the cultural and social identity of Harlem. His studio served as a community hub, and his portraits of prominent figures helped challenge stereotypes and foster pride within the African-American community.

Which notable figures did James Van Der Zee photograph?

James Van Der Zee photographed many influential figures, including Marcus Garvey, Countee Cullen, Josephine Baker, W. E. B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, and Madam C. J. Walker, capturing their likenesses and contributions to the era.

What artistic style did Aaron Douglas, often called the 'Father of African-American Art,' employ?

Aaron Douglas created a distinctive style that merged past, present, and future African-American history through his use of color, shape, and line. His paintings often featured fragmentation, geometry, hard-edge abstraction, and drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Native American motifs.

What significant role did Augusta Savage play in the Harlem Renaissance beyond her own sculpting?

Augusta Savage was a pivotal figure as an advocate, teacher, and founder of the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts, which offered free art classes. She also championed artists seeking fair compensation, leading to the formation of the Harlem Artist Guild, and was the only African American commissioned for the 1939 World Fair.

What diverse cultural elements and styles characterized the art of the Harlem Renaissance?

The art of the Harlem Renaissance encompassed a wide variety of cultural elements, including Pan-African perspectives, "high-culture" and "low-life" themes, traditional music, blues, jazz, and experimental literary forms like jazz poetry. This diversity sometimes led to conflict with conservative critics within the Black intelligentsia.

How did white patronage influence the Harlem Renaissance?

While the movement relied on Black patrons and businesses, it also depended on white patrons like Carl Van Vechten and Charlotte Osgood Mason. Their support, through patronage and publication opportunities, helped open doors for Black artists and writers that might have otherwise remained closed.

How did the Harlem Renaissance contribute to a new Black identity and consciousness?

The movement successfully brought the Black experience into American cultural history, redefining how African Americans were viewed. The migration to urban centers fostered a new social consciousness, self-determination, and a sense of Black urbanity and militancy that influenced later Civil Rights struggles.

What tension existed regarding the portrayal of Black life during the Harlem Renaissance?

There was a tension between artists seeking authentic self-expression and conservatives within the Black intelligentsia who were concerned about how certain depictions of Black life might be perceived by white audiences. Some works were criticized for catering to perceived "prurient demands" of white readers.

How did the Harlem Renaissance impact the perception of African Americans moving from rural to urban settings?

The migration of Southern Black people to Northern cities during the Harlem Renaissance shifted the image of African Americans from rural, undereducated peasants to urban, cosmopolitan individuals. This contributed to a greater social consciousness and expanded international intellectual and social contacts.

What role did queer culture play within the Harlem Renaissance?

Queer culture was significantly present and influential, particularly in venues like bars and nightclubs where blues music thrived. While not always openly accepted by mainstream society or all within the Renaissance, queer artists used these spaces for self-expression, contributing substantially to the movement's vibrancy.

How did women's contributions to the Harlem Renaissance gain recognition?

Although often overlooked at the time, contemporary Black feminist critics have worked to re-evaluate and recognize the cultural production of women during the Harlem Renaissance. Authors like Nella Larsen and Jessie Fauset have received renewed critical acclaim for their significant works.

What specific criticisms were leveled against the Harlem Renaissance by some intellectuals?

Some critics argued that the Harlem Renaissance intellectuals, in their pursuit of a new racial consciousness, sometimes mimicked white counterparts in dress and manners, a form of assimilation. There was also criticism that the movement's artistic output did not sufficiently overcome or reject white American values.

How did the Harlem Renaissance writers rely on white publishing houses and audiences?

Despite the existence of Black-owned publications like "The Crisis" and "Opportunity," the Harlem Renaissance relied heavily on mainstream white periodicals and publishing houses for wider distribution. This reliance created some controversy, particularly regarding the content deemed acceptable to white readers.

What did Langston Hughes advocate for regarding the expression of Black artists?

In his essay "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain," Langston Hughes asserted that Black artists should express themselves freely, regardless of the opinions of either the Black or white public. He emphasized the importance of authentic self-expression over conforming to external expectations.

How did the Great Depression affect the Harlem Renaissance?

The Great Depression was a major factor contributing to the abrupt end of the Harlem Renaissance. The economic downturn highlighted the naiveté of assuming cultural progress could exist independently of economic and social realities.

What was the significance of the "New Negro" concept in relation to challenging racial definitions?

The "New Negro" concept embodied a challenge to racial definitions and stereotypes, seeking to redefine Black identity through intellect and cultural production. This movement aimed to promote progressive politics and achieve racial and social integration.

What did W. E. B. Du Bois mean by the concept of the 'talented tenth'?

W. E. B. Du Bois proposed that the "talented tenth"—the most educated and capable members of the Black community—were crucial for guiding the masses toward progress. These individuals were seen as exemplars of Black worth, intended to be emulated in response to pervasive racism.

How did the Harlem Renaissance influence the Civil Rights Movement?

The Harlem Renaissance laid crucial groundwork for the post-World War II Civil Rights Movement. It fostered a new racial consciousness, a spirit of self-determination, and provided a foundation of cultural and intellectual achievement that inspired subsequent generations of activists.

What was the role of religion during the Harlem Renaissance?

Christianity played a significant role, with writers and intellectuals discussing its place in African-American lives. Poems like Langston Hughes's "Madam and the Minister" reflected attitudes towards religion, while publications like "The Crisis" explored issues of church unification and racial barriers within religious institutions.

What were some non-Christian religious or spiritual practices present during the Harlem Renaissance?

Alongside Christianity, other spiritual traditions were practiced, including Islam, which arrived through groups like the Moorish Science Temple of America. Black Hebrew Israelites also founded their religious beliefs during this period, and traditional African religions like Voodoo and Santeria were also inherited and practiced.

How did artists like Aaron Douglas incorporate African influences into their work?

Aaron Douglas, often called the "Father of African-American Art," drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Native American motifs. He integrated these influences into his paintings, which often depicted the merging of past, present, and future African-American history.

What was the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on the perception of African Americans globally?

The Harlem Renaissance redefined America's and the world's view of African Americans. It shifted perceptions from rural, undereducated individuals to urban, sophisticated participants on the global stage, expanding intellectual and social connections internationally.

What specific criticism did W. E. B. Du Bois have regarding Claude McKay's novel "Home to Harlem"?

W. E. B. Du Bois criticized Claude McKay's bestselling novel "Home to Harlem" for appealing to the "prurient demands" of white readers and publishers, suggesting it catered to stereotypes of Black "licentiousness" rather than elevating the race.

How did the Harlem Renaissance foster a sense of community and shared identity?

By providing a venue for African Americans of diverse backgrounds to appreciate various aspects of Black life and culture, the Harlem Renaissance encouraged a new appreciation for folk roots and traditions. This shared cultural experience fostered a united racial identity.

What were some of the challenges faced by Black musicians performing in white-only clubs like the Cotton Club?

While clubs like the Cotton Club provided visibility for Black musicians such as Duke Ellington, they were often exclusively for white audiences. Despite this segregation, Black musicians who performed in these venues often achieved greater mainstream success and became integrated into the broader music scene.

What is meant by Du Bois's concept of 'twoness' (dualism) in the context of the Harlem Renaissance?

Du Bois's concept of 'twoness,' explored in "The Souls of Black Folk," refers to the divided awareness of African Americans, experiencing their identity as both Black and American. This dual consciousness was a critique of the social ramifications of racial identity and was later revived during the Black Pride movement.

How did the Harlem Renaissance contribute to the institutionalization of African-American art?

The Harlem Renaissance served as a creative crucible for African-American art-making, leading to its increasing institutionalization. This included greater visibility within white-dominated museums and cultural institutions, marking a significant step in the acceptance and recognition of Black artistic contributions.

What was the "New Negro" movement's stance on gender norms and sexuality?

The Neo-New Negro movement, evolving from the "New Negro" concept, challenged normative sexuality and sexism. It sought to address gender roles and sexual expression, although some aspects, particularly regarding sexual freedom for women, faced pushback from within the Black community who feared it would reinforce racist stereotypes.

What specific contributions did Richard Bruce Nugent make to the Harlem Renaissance?

Richard Bruce Nugent, author of "Smoke, Lilies, and Jade," made significant contributions, particularly concerning experimental literary forms and addressing LGBT themes during the Harlem Renaissance. His work explored aspects of identity and sexuality that were often not openly discussed at the time.

Harlem Renaissance Wiki: Harlem's Crescendo: A Cultural Awakening

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

What Was the Harlem Renaissance?

Intellectual and Cultural Flourishing

The Harlem Renaissance was a significant intellectual and cultural movement of African-American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, politics, and scholarship. It was centered in Harlem, New York City, and spanned the 1920s and 1930s. It was also known as the "New Negro Movement," named after Alain Locke's influential 1925 anthology, The New Negro.^[1]

A National and Transatlantic Influence

While geographically centered in Harlem, the movement's influence extended across urban areas in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. It also resonated with Francophone Black writers from African and Caribbean colonies living in Paris, demonstrating its broad cultural impact.^[4]^[5]

A Defining Era

The zenith of this "flowering of Negro literature," as James Weldon Johnson described it, occurred between approximately 1924 and 1929. This period marked a creative crucible for African-American art-making and its integration into mainstream cultural institutions.^[9]

Historical Context: The Great Migration

Seeking Opportunity

Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, African Americans faced systemic racism and economic hardship in the Deep South, including disenfranchisement and exploitative labor practices. The arrival of the boll weevil, which devastated cotton crops, further exacerbated these conditions.^[16] This led to the Great Migration, a mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to Northern and Midwestern cities in search of better living standards and relief from racial oppression.^[2]

Harlem as a Destination

Harlem, originally developed as an exclusive suburb, became an African-American neighborhood in the early 1900s. It attracted hundreds of thousands of migrants from the South and immigrants from the Caribbean, transforming it into a vibrant center of Black culture and community.^[17]

Post-War Militancy

The experience of African-American soldiers returning from World War I, who fought in segregated units like the Harlem Hellfighters, fostered a renewed sense of militancy and a demand for civil rights. This, combined with ongoing racial tensions and economic competition, fueled the social and political landscape that gave rise to the Renaissance.^[18]^[19]

The Movement's Genesis

Early Artistic Expressions

The movement's early stages in the late 1910s saw plays like Ridgely Torrence's Granny Maumee, which featured African-American actors and rejected minstrel show stereotypes, marking a significant shift in theatrical representation.^[20] Claude McKay's militant sonnet "If We Must Die" (1919) resonated deeply with African Americans facing racial violence, introducing a powerful political dimension.^[21]

The "New Negro" Identity

The concept of the "New Negro," championed by figures like Alain Locke, emphasized racial pride, intellectualism, and artistic achievement as tools to challenge racism and stereotypes. This fostered a new sense of self-determination and cultural identity within the African-American community.^[22]

Multimedia Showcase

The Harlem Renaissance encompassed a wide array of artistic forms. A silent short documentary titled "Study of Negro Artists" from the era showcases artists at work, reflecting the movement's dedication to documenting and promoting Black creative talent.^[20]

A silent short documentary on "the Negro Artist." Richmond Barthé working on Kalombwan (1934).

Literary Renaissance

Voices of Identity

The Harlem Renaissance fostered a new era for African-American writers, providing a platform to express their identities without fear. Alain Locke's anthology The New Negro is considered a cornerstone, featuring prominent writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Claude McKay.^[27]^[28]

Jazz Poetry

The fusion of jazz rhythms and poetic expression led to the development of jazz poetry. Langston Hughes's "The Weary Blues" is a prime example, capturing the spirit and cadence of jazz music.^[30]

Challenging Notions

Figures like Hubert Harrison critiqued the very notion of a "Renaissance," arguing it overlooked continuous literary output. Fenton Johnson, publishing in the early 1900s, is recognized as a forerunner, contributing revolutionary poetic themes.^[22]^[24]

Faith and Discourse

Christianity's Role

Christianity played a significant role, with writers like Langston Hughes exploring its complex relationship with the African-American community in poems like "Madam and the Minister." Discussions around church unification and the challenges faced by African-American priests within the Catholic Church were also prominent.^[31]^[33]

Diverse Spiritualities

Beyond traditional Christianity, various spiritual practices, including those inherited from African ancestry like Voodoo and Santeria, were present. Islam also had a presence, likely through the Moorish Science Temple of America, and Black Hebrew Israelite traditions emerged during this period.^[33]

Critiques and Revisions

Artists like Aaron Douglas used biblical imagery with an African influence, reflecting revisions to Christian dogma. Countee Cullen's "Heritage" explored the tension between African roots and Christian culture, while Langston Hughes's "Merry Christmas" critiqued religion's role in oppression.^[34]^[35]^[36]

The Sound of Harlem

Harlem Stride and Jazz

The innovative Harlem Stride piano style emerged, bridging the gap between working-class and elite African Americans by making jazz more accessible. Performers like Eubie Blake, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller were pivotal.^[37]^[38]

Influential Artists

Duke Ellington rose to prominence, maintaining focus amidst his growing fame. Talented musicians and composers like Adelaide Hall, Florence Mills, Fletcher Henderson, and Louis Armstrong laid foundational elements for future jazz music.^[37]^[38]^[39]^[40]

Musical Theatre

The musical Shuffle Along, with music by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle, debuted in 1921, becoming a major success that brought jazz to Broadway and proved the appeal of Black performers to diverse audiences.^[42]^[43]

Style and Expression

Flamboyant Trends

Fashion during the Harlem Renaissance embraced elegance and flamboyance. Women adopted drop-waisted dresses, cloche hats, long pearl necklaces, and feather boas. Men sported wide-lapelled suits, wide-brimmed hats, and colorful accessories, reflecting the era's vibrant spirit.^[47]^[49]

Josephine Baker's Influence

Josephine Baker, a dancer performing in Paris, became a major trendsetter. Her innovative stage costumes and Art Deco style influenced fashion globally, embodying the era's dynamism.^[47]

Symbolism in Style

The adoption of leopard-skin coats symbolized a connection to African heritage and power, reflecting a broader cultural pride that permeated the movement.^[49]

Capturing Harlem's Soul

James Van Der Zee's Lens

Photographer James Van Der Zee played a crucial role in documenting and shaping the cultural and social life of Harlem. His studio served as a community hub, capturing the achievements of cultural figures and challenging stereotypes.^[50]^[51]

Documenting Icons

Van Der Zee's portraits featured prominent figures like Marcus Garvey, W. E. B. Du Bois, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, and Josephine Baker, contributing to their public image and the movement's legacy.^[50]

The Eyes of Harlem

His work gained renewed attention in the 1960s and 70s, recognized as vital documentation of African-American life and culture, earning him the title "the official chronicler of the Harlem Renaissance."^[53]^[54]

Visual Arts: Aaron Douglas

Father of African-American Art

Aaron Douglas, often called the "Father of African-American Art," was a pivotal painter of the Harlem Renaissance. His distinctive style merged past, present, and future through geometric forms and influences from ancient Egyptian and Native American motifs.^[55]

Merging Time and Culture

Douglas's work masterfully collapsed time, blending historical elements with contemporary themes. His use of fragmentation and hard-edge abstraction created a unique visual language that captured the essence of the African-American experience.^[55]

Sculpting a Community

Augusta Savage's Vision

Augusta Savage, a sculptor, advocate, and teacher, placed everyday Black people at the forefront of her art. She founded the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts, providing free art education and securing funding to train young artists.^[56]

Fostering Artistic Growth

Savage encouraged artists to seek fair compensation, leading to the formation of the Harlem Artist Guild. Her commissioned piece, Lift Every Voice and Sing, was a highlight of the 1939 World Fair.^[56]

Core Themes and Duality

Racial Pride and the "New Negro"

A central theme was overt racial pride, embodied in the "New Negro" ideal. This identity was forged through intellectual and artistic production, challenging pervasive racism and stereotypes while advocating for progressive politics and racial integration.^[22]

Artistic Diversity

The movement encompassed a wide range of styles, from Pan-African perspectives to modernist experimentation and jazz poetry. This diversity sometimes led to conflict with conservative elements within the Black intelligentsia who disapproved of certain depictions of Black life.^[22]

Exploring Identity

Key themes included the influence of slavery on identity, the impact of institutional racism, the challenges of writing for white audiences, and the complexities of modern Black urban life. W. E. B. Du Bois's concept of "twoness"—a dual awareness of being both Black and American—was a significant intellectual contribution.^[60]

Enduring Legacy

Redefining American Culture

The Harlem Renaissance successfully integrated the Black experience into American cultural history, shifting perceptions of African Americans from rural peasants to sophisticated urban dwellers. This fostered a greater social consciousness and expanded international intellectual connections.^[59]

Foundation for Civil Rights

The movement's emphasis on self-determination, racial pride, and cultural assertion provided a crucial foundation for the Civil Rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s.^[59]

Queer Culture's Role

While often operating in private spaces like clubs and cabarets, queer culture and artists played a significant role, contributing to the blues scene and providing avenues for honest self-expression. Henry Louis Gates Jr. noted the Renaissance was "surely as gay as it was black."^[63]

Women and LGBTQ+ Contributions

Overlooked Voices

Contemporary Black feminist critics have worked to re-evaluate and recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women writers like Nella Larsen and Jessie Fauset, whose works are gaining renewed critical acclaim.^[67]

Blues and Expression

Blues singers like Gertrude "Ma" Rainey and Bessie Smith used their music to express unapologetic views on same-gender relations and challenged norms by introducing blues into vaudeville. Gladys Bentley was known for cross-dressing and her club was a hub for queer patrons.^[68]^[61]

Queer Spaces

While some religious figures opposed homosexuality, Harlem offered spaces like clubs and cabarets where queer culture thrived. Annual drag balls at Hamilton Lodge drew large crowds, showcasing a vibrant, albeit sometimes hidden, aspect of the community.^[63]

Critiques and Complexities

Mimicry and Assimilation

Critics noted that the movement, while seeking a new racial consciousness, sometimes resorted to mimicking white counterparts in dress and manners, reflecting assimilation pressures within a majority-dominated society.^[71]

Reliance on White Patronage

While driven by African Americans, the Renaissance relied heavily on white publishing houses and patrons like Carl Van Vechten. This relationship, though opening doors, also led to controversy regarding artistic direction and the portrayal of Black life for white audiences.^[72]

The Great Depression's Impact

The movement's optimistic, progressivist worldview left many intellectuals unprepared for the economic realities of the Great Depression, which abruptly ended the era. Assumptions about culture's centrality, detached from economic factors, contributed to its decline.^[78]

Key Works

Music & Theatre

Notable works include the musical Shuffle Along, Duke Ellington's compositions, and the jazz poetry of Langston Hughes. The documentary From These Roots also captures the spirit of the era.

Literature & Art

Key literary contributions include Alain Locke's The New Negro and works by Zora Neale Hurston and Claude McKay. Aaron Douglas's paintings and Augusta Savage's sculptures represent the visual arts of the period.

Notes and References

Scholarly Works

The Harlem Renaissance has been extensively documented. Key academic works include Nathan Huggins's Harlem Renaissance, David Levering Lewis's When Harlem Was in Vogue, and Arnold Rampersad's biography of Langston Hughes. These provide deep insights into the movement's multifaceted nature.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Harlem Renaissance" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about harlem_renaissance while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

colón panama

atabeg

jiangsu cuisine

ante tomić basketball

References

"Project MUSE â Modernism, Mass Culture, and the Harlem Renaissance: The Case of Countee Cullen." Project MUSE â Modernism, Mass Culture, and the Harlem Renaissance: The Case of Countee Cullen. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 April 2015.

"Harlem Renaissance Music in the 1920s", 1920s Fashion & Music.

Southern, Eileen, Music of Negro Americans: a history. New York: Norton, 1997. Print, pp. 404, 405 and 409.

West, Aberjhani and Sandra L. (2003). Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance, pp. 105â106; Vogue, 15 February 1926, p. 76.

White, Shane and Graham (1998). Stylin': African American Expressive Culture from Its Beginnings to the Zoot Suit, pp. 248â251.

Ragar, Cheryl R. (2010). "The Douglas Legacy". American Studies. 49 â via Mid-America American Studies Association.

"Eva Jessye", University of Michigan, accessed 4 December 2008.

W.E.B. Du Bois, "The Talented Tenth" (text), Sep 1903, TeachingAmericanHistory.org, Ashland University, accessed 3 Sep 2008

It was possible for blacks to have intellectual discussions on whether black people had a future in America, and the Harlem Renaissance reflected such sociopolitical concerns.

"Project MUSE â Multiple Passings and the Double Death of Langston Hughes." Project MUSE â Multiple Passings and the Double Death of Langston Hughes. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 April 2015.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Harlem Renaissance Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding history, arts, or cultural studies. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for in-depth understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Harlem's Crescendo

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What Was the Harlem Renaissance? 🎭

🌟 Intellectual and Cultural Flourishing

🌍 A National and Transatlantic Influence

⏳ A Defining Era

Historical Context: The Great Migration 🚶🏾‍♂️

➡️ Seeking Opportunity

🏙️ Harlem as a Destination

✊🏾 Post-War Militancy

The Movement's Genesis 💡

🎭 Early Artistic Expressions

🗣️ The "New Negro" Identity

🎬 Multimedia Showcase

Literary Renaissance ✍️

📖 Voices of Identity

🎶 Jazz Poetry

🗣️ Challenging Notions

Faith and Discourse 🙏🏾

⛪ Christianity's Role

✨ Diverse Spiritualities

🤔 Critiques and Revisions

The Sound of Harlem 🎷

🎹 Harlem Stride and Jazz

🌟 Influential Artists

Broadway Musical Theatre

Style and Expression 👗

✨ Flamboyant Trends

💃 Josephine Baker's Influence

🦁 Symbolism in Style

Capturing Harlem's Soul 📸

🖼️ James Van Der Zee's Lens

🌟 Documenting Icons

👁️ The Eyes of Harlem

Visual Arts: Aaron Douglas 🎨

🖌️ Father of African-American Art

⏳ Merging Time and Culture

Sculpting a Community 🗿

👩🏾‍🎨 Augusta Savage's Vision

🤝🏾 Fostering Artistic Growth

Core Themes and Duality ⚖️

✊🏾 Racial Pride and the "New Negro"

🎭 Artistic Diversity

🤔 Exploring Identity

Enduring Legacy 🚀

🇺🇸 Redefining American Culture

✊🏾 Foundation for Civil Rights

🌈 Queer Culture's Role

Women and LGBTQ+ Contributions 👩🏾‍🎨🏳️‍🌈

🌟 Overlooked Voices

🎤 Blues and Expression

🏳️‍🌈 Queer Spaces

Critiques and Complexities 🧐

🤔 Mimicry and Assimilation

🤝🏾 Reliance on White Patronage

📉 The Great Depression's Impact

Key Works 📚

🎶 Music & Theatre

📖 Literature & Art

Notes and References 🔗

📝 Scholarly Works

📚 Further Reading

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What Was the Harlem Renaissance?

Intellectual and Cultural Flourishing

A National and Transatlantic Influence

A Defining Era

Historical Context: The Great Migration

Seeking Opportunity

Harlem as a Destination

Post-War Militancy

The Movement's Genesis

Early Artistic Expressions

The "New Negro" Identity

Multimedia Showcase

Literary Renaissance

Voices of Identity

Jazz Poetry

Challenging Notions

Faith and Discourse

Christianity's Role

Diverse Spiritualities

Critiques and Revisions

The Sound of Harlem

Harlem Stride and Jazz

Influential Artists

Musical Theatre

Style and Expression

Flamboyant Trends

Josephine Baker's Influence

Symbolism in Style

Capturing Harlem's Soul

James Van Der Zee's Lens

Documenting Icons

The Eyes of Harlem

Visual Arts: Aaron Douglas

Father of African-American Art

Merging Time and Culture

Sculpting a Community

Augusta Savage's Vision

Fostering Artistic Growth

Core Themes and Duality

Racial Pride and the "New Negro"

Artistic Diversity

Exploring Identity

Enduring Legacy

Redefining American Culture

Foundation for Civil Rights

Queer Culture's Role

Women and LGBTQ+ Contributions

Overlooked Voices

Blues and Expression

Queer Spaces

Critiques and Complexities

Mimicry and Assimilation

Reliance on White Patronage

The Great Depression's Impact

Key Works

Music & Theatre

Literature & Art

Notes and References

Scholarly Works

Further Reading

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice