Harlem Renaissance Literary Impacts

Time Period (1917-1935) The Harlem Renaissance was the name given to the cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York between the end of World War I and the middle of the 1930s. During this period, Harlem was a cultural center, drawing black writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and scholars. It was more than a literary movement: it was about racial pride.

Literary Impact and Trends The Harlem Renaissance helped lay the foundation for the post-World War II phase of the Civil Rights Movement. This is the first time African American poets and artists were getting recognition. It allowed the ground work for the all later African American literature and music. This time period is when Jazz music was popularized. Jazz poetry also became popular at this time. Elements of jazz, blues, and folklore were employed in literary works. Popular for addressing real problems and mentioning real characters. The music attracted whites to Harlem speakeasies It had little impact on breaking down the Jim Crow laws, but its greatest impact was to reinforce race pride among blacks.  

Langston Hughes Biography Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902, in Joplin Missouri. Shortly after he was born his parents were divorced and his father moved away. Growing up his mother traveled frequently so he was primarily raised by his grandmother. As a young teenager his grandmother passed away and he moved in with his mother eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio where he started to write poetry. In 1920 his first poem was published “The Negro Speaks in Rivers”

Langston Hughes Biography In 1922, Langston Hues attended Columbia University, where he became engrossed in the Harlem’s cultural movement Langston Hues soon dropped out and worked as a steward on a freighter that took him to Africa and Spain, in 1924 he left the ship and spent about a year in Paris, France. In 1925, he returned to the United States and his poem, “The Weary Blues”, won first prize in the Opportunity magazine literary competition, this is when Langston Hues poetry started gaining attention. In 1926, his first book of poetry, “The Weary Blues”, was published which highlights his jazzy poetic style and his realistic descriptions of urban life showing his commitment to black heritage and equality.

Langston Hughes Biography In 1967, Hughes passed away from prostate cancer. By the end of his career Langston Hughes was an accomplished poet, social activist, and novelist. He is considered to be the face of the Harlem Renaissance. His poetry rich in jazz influences, perfectly depicted the vibrant culture of African Americans. "We younger Negro artists now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased, we are glad. If they aren't, it doesn't matter.” - Langston Hughes

Harlem Renaissance Impact on Langston Hughes The Harlem Renaissance had a direct impact on Langston Hughes writings. His writing emphasized African American pride in their culture and everyday life. It was meant to inspire African Americans to fight and believe in a better future. His writings were influenced by jazz and blues music which was a prominent trend during this time.

“I, too,” Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America. The theme of this poem is the relationship between African Americans and the rest of society. The poem shows that, Hughes foresees an equal society for all people. Literary Devices: Symbolisms- the kitchen symbolizes segregation Table- equality and power. Allusion- this poem is an allusion to Walt Whitman’s work, “I hear American Singing” This poem was free-verse which became very popular during this time and was used to address the real problem of segregation.

Fun Facts The Harlem Renaissance is named after Harlem neighborhood in the Manhattan borough of New York City. In 1917-1935 the Harlem Renaissance was called the “New Negro Movement” Langston Hughes is the most famous name associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Although, it was centered in Harlem it was a nationwide movement. A major cause of the Harlem Renaissance was the great Migration. Jazz music of the Harlem Renaissance was a combination of Blues, Ragtime and Dixie Popular fashion of the Harlem Rensainace for African Americans was The "Zoot Suit" which was a suit

Homework “Weary Blues”

Work Cited Anonymous. "Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance." Teen Ink. Emerson Media, Web. 27 Sept. 2016. "Langston Hughes." Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, Web. 26 Sept. 2016. By 1929, 60% of Radio Air Time Was Playing Jazz Music, Which Became Mainstream Entertainment..  Harlem Renaissance Fact 19:NAACP: The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Fought for Civil Rights, the Elimination of. "The Harlem Renaissance." Harlem Renaissance Facts: US History for Kids Siteseen. Ltd, Apr. 2016. Web. 27 Sept. 2016. "Harlem Renaissance." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016. Web. 27 Sept. 2016. : “Rise and Fall of Jim Crow Laws.” PBS. PBS, Web. 27 Sept. 2016.