The Harlem Renaissance

What is the Harlem Renaissance? The African American cultural movement of the 1920’s and early 1930’s that was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Started after WWI in 1918 and faded during the mid 1930’s.

What is the Harlem Renaissance? The Harlem Renaissance was the first time that mainstream publishers and critics took African American literature seriously. African American literature and arts attracted attention from the whole nation. Included: Literature, theater, art, music, and politics.

What caused the movement? A black middle class was developing during the turn of the century, due to an increase in education and employment opportunities. Great Migration- Hundreds of thousands of African Americans moved from the South to the industrial cities of the North to find jobs. As more educated and employed African Americans settled in Harlem, NY it became the cultural center of black America.

What caused the movement? A new political idea that advocated racial equality became more popular among African Americans. Those that supported racial equality included: W.E.B. Du Bois NAACP (National Association for the advancement of colored people.) W.E.B. Du Bois

Harlem Night Life Bessie Smith Cotton Club, “Home of Jazz” “Jelly Roll” Morton Harlem Dancers

Common themes of the Harlem Renaissance Interest in the roots of the 20th Century African American experience in both Africa and the South A strong sense of racial pride and desire for social and political equality. The diversity of expression through poetry, art, music, and theater.

The end of the Harlem Renaissance The Great Depression during the 1930’s increased the economic pressures in all aspects of life. Many of the influential writers left Harlem in the early 1930’s. A riot in Harlem (1935) Economic hardships Tension between the black community and white shop owners in Harlem

The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance inspired many African American writers. Effected countries outside of the United States. Many writers and dancers traveled to Europe. They gained popularity equal or greater than in the United States.