1. The Harlem Renaissance An African American Cultural Movement

2. Back Ground Took place in Harlem, New York during the 1920’s and late 1930’s Was also known as the “New Negro Movement” and the “New Negro Renaissance” Although primarily a literary movement, it was closely related to developments in A.A music, theater, art, and politics.

3. Several factors laid groundwork for the Harlem Renaissance movement… The NAACP was founded to advance the rights of blacks in the U.S With education, blacks began to develop a social conscious and political interests A black middle class developed after the civil war, fostered by increased education and employment During the Great Migration, thousands of blacks moved from the depressed south to northern cities

4. “The problem of the 20 th century is the problem of the color line…” -W.E.B Dubois, The Souls of Black Folk Born William Edward Burghardt Dubois to black, French, and Dutch ancestors Grew up privileged but studied race relations and taught in poor black communities Was the first AA to receive a PHD from Harvard

5. The Double Consciousness Term coined by W.E.B Dubois Blacks were caught between two identities: black and American. They wanted to feel apart of America, but because of discrimination they felt alienated and always aware of “blackness” or race.

6. “The Negro Feels his two-ness-an American, a Negro, two souls…” Many black writers tackled the topic in their writing: Langston Hughes, “Theme for English B” and “I, Too” Claude McKay, “America” Ralph Ellison, “Invisible Man” James Weldon Johnson, “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man”

7. “The New Negro” A concept that developed during the H.R that emphasized the following: Black pride Self sufficiency Knowledge of African American history Education Cultural and social advancement

8. “The New Negro” Continued… The concept found shape in an anthology by Alain Locke, a professor at Howard University Featured both fiction and non fiction pieces by prominent black writers and intellectuals Gained national attention and made America interested in Harlem, New York

9. Why was the concept of the New Negro so important during the Harlem Renaissance??? By embracing these ideas African Americans sought to eradicate stereotypes about themselves By living up to the standards of the New Negro, blacks became productive members of society. They were finally able to show the world how talented, intellectual, and creative African Americans could be

10. Intra Racial Conflict and Color Consciousness Although African Americans made great strides during the HR, color consciousness manifested itself in everyday life in the form of “intra-racial” racism

11. The Root of the Problem Division amongst blacks began during slavery White slave owners often sexually exploited African women, who were considered property Biracial or “mixed” children were often shown preferential treatment. Lighter complexioned slaves were chosen to work easier jobs while dark slaves continued to work in the fields Lighter skin began to be looked upon as beneficial and more beautiful

12. The Standard Even black elite began to practice light/ dark division tactics Select night clubs and even black sororities and fraternities began “paper bag” testing for admittance

13. Questions to Consider??? How can African Americans move beyond “color consciousness”? Is that realistically possible at this point? Is it possible to celebrate the great accomplishments of the Harlem Renaissance but ignore the color division that came along with it?

14. The End of an Era A number of influences contributed to the decline of the HR: The Great Depression impacted economics Organizations such as the NAACP/ Urban League shifted their interests to economic issues Many influential black writers left Harlem after riots caused by economic hardships

15. Writing Prompt: Last year a Detroit promoter came under controversy for throwing a “light skin” birthday bash (light skin ladies get in for free). Look at the flyer for the event and reflect on the following: Would you attend? Why or why not? Is this even a “big deal”? Would you be offended? How does this reflect the history of “color consciousness” in the black community? Respond in at least two paragraphs