The Harlem Renaissance The cultural, artistic, and social revival that exploded in New York City during the 1920’s.

When, Where, Why? The Harlem Renaissance began at the end of World War I and lasted into the 1930’s. It took place in the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. This movement began with the Great Migration, an exodus of African Americans escaping the problems of racism in the South and seeking better jobs and an overall better life in the North. Also known as the “New Negro Movement”.

Specific causes of the Great Migration Job vacancies due to World War I. Reconstruction after the Civil War had been unsuccessful in shedding racial violence. Jim Crow laws- “separate but equal” (which lasted into 1964!) Many were disappointed to find that both housing and jobs were scarce.

Many African Americans ended up in Harlem, which soon became the center of Negro life.

Specific circumstances leading to the Harlem Renaissance The urban migration of African Americans. Trends toward experimentation throughout the country The rise of radical African American intellectuals

Traditions emerge in Harlem With the movement of people comes the movement of traditions. African Americans brought: Music Language Food Religion Art

Progression through the arts The production of art, literature, and music served as a way for the African American community to shatter racial stereotypes and overwhelming racism from the white community of the time. It also helped to uplift the race and create racial pride.

Music Music created included the blues, jazz, spirituals, and gospel music. Artists to emerge during this time included Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. Songs often touched on themes of oppression, identity, and the struggle African Americans faced everyday.

Art Painters, sculptors and graphic artists set out to establish their artistic abilities as a community through improvisation and style. Artists used experience to inspire material. Artists often incorporated symbols of the Harlem Renaissance in their art as well.

The best part…literature!!! The literature movement of the Harlem Renaissance was initiated by the “Talented Tenth”, a group of well-educated black professionals who believed that literature and the arts would help gain social acceptance for the race. A formal campaign to gain literary efforts was started and gained astounding results. A large group of young talent emerged. The four largest genres were poetry, fiction, drama, and essay.

Harlem Renaissance writers Such talented writers included Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, and Zora Neale Hurston (to name a few). Langston Hughes Countee Cullen Claude McKay Zora Neale Hurston

Themes and elements of literature Identity Tension Alienation Appreciation of heritage/roots Oppression Life in Harlem The potential for a “future” and nostalgia of the past Loss of a dream

The outcome? Rich, provocative, and vibrant literature that provides new structures, fresh rhythms, unforgettable images, inspirational stories of quest, courage, endurance and determination.