ID: Harlem Renaissance
WHEN: 1920s (peaking in the mid-to-late 1920s)
WHO:
- Key Figures: Langston Hughes (poet, novelist), Zora Neale Hurston (novelist, folklorist), Countee Cullen (poet), Claude McKay (novelist, poet), James Weldon Johnson (author, activist), W.E.B. Du Bois (sociologist, activist)
- African American Community: Centered in Harlem, New York City; spread to other urban centers with large Black populations.
- Patrons: Some white philanthropists and publishers provided support.
WHAT:
A flourishing of African American artistic and intellectual life during the 1920s, particularly in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It encompassed literature, music (especially jazz and blues), art, theatre, and politics. It was an expression of Black identity, culture, and pride following the Great Migration. Artists sought to challenge stereotypes and celebrate their heritage.
IMPACT: Why Significant?:
- Cultural Impact: Celebrated African American culture and experience, contributing significantly to American art, music, and literature. Helped define a new Black identity and challenged racial stereotypes.
- Political Impact: Laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement by promoting racial pride, demanding social and political equality, and providing a platform for Black voices.
- Artistic Legacy: Inspired future generations of African American artists and writers. Influenced subsequent artistic and literary movements.
- Increased Awareness: Raised awareness of the contributions and struggles of African Americans among both Black and white audiences. Helped bridge the racial divide, though significant inequality persisted.
- Pan-Africanism: Further fostered a sense of Pan-Africanism and connection to the African diaspora.