By: LaMar Williams

Overview  The Harlem Renaissance was the turning point of African American culture after World War 1. African Americans redefine their culture through literature such as, poems, short stories, novels, and even music. It was a period marked with vibrant nightlife and dance. The Harlem Renaissance changed literature, sparked social change, politics, religious views and artistic works during the 1920s and 1930s.

Famous Quotes  "No matter how far a person can go the horizon is still way beyond you."  "It seems to me that trying to live without friends is like milking a bear to get cream for your morning coffee. It is a whole lot of trouble, and then not worth much after you get it."  "Freedom is never given; it is won."

Literature  Defining moment in African American literature.  Brought cultural change in Harlem New York.  The movement to African American literary art lies in the efforts of its writers to exalt the heritage of African Americans.

Literature (Cont.)  Many of the literature was created for equality in AMERICA.  Successful writers brought inspiration to the African Americans.  Writers wanted to bring anew identity for the black citizen in the U.S.

Literature (Cont.)  African-American literature has a rich history of wonderful writers, including: Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston.  These writers revolutionized African American writing, and even poetry.

Religion  Harlem Renaissance was a spiritual revival.  Neo-orthodox approaches to traditional Christianity.  The climate of this era invited critique and revisions to existing spiritual and theological assumptions

Religion (Cont.)  mega-type churches were constructed.  Sects and cults were formed.  Increase in religious nationalists.  Storefront churches were created.

Religion (Cont.)  Church was a centerpiece to the Harlem cultural movement.  Gospel songs and Hymns increased in popularity.  A major increase in Baptist churches.

Social  Industrialization moved people from rural areas to cities like Harlem New York.  The movement gave rise to a new mass culture.  This created jobs and new opportunities for African Americans.

Social (Cont.)  Many African Americans started to work and produce for the family.  Blacks tried to make a new identity of equality in America.  Blacks protested in Harlem to gain equal rights as whites.

Social (Cont.)  Black writers used short stories and poetry to express themselves to the black people.  Many Black Musicians created Jazz to increase African American equality.  Hard Negroe workers proved to white businessman the equal working skill of African Americans.

Politics  Shaped future Civil Rights Activists fighting to end segregation.  Brought new cultural values in Harlem and U.S.  Politics brought interracial cooperation.

Politics (Cont.)  Brought the rise and increase in the N.A.A.C.P.  Du Bois advocated the right of African Americans to higher education for the fulfillment of their political duties  Booker T. Washington quoted that America should be“absolutely be integrationist.”

Politics (Cont.)  Politics created African American growth and equality.  Brought better education due to the integration of schools.  Politicians promoted black cultural values that were underestimated in American culture

Artistic Works  Artists depicted the struggles of many African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.  Jacob Lawrence used his artwork to relive African American struggles.  His works portrayed Black influence on America.

Artworks (Cont.)  Racism was the imperative topic in the art world.  Art also connected to black Americans everyday lives.  Many Black artists were trained by European artists.

Artworks (Cont.)  Artists of the time was Meta Fuller and Aaron Douglas.  These artists quickly realized their need to be recognized and applauded as professional artists  These Black artists worked hard to gain the society`s respect.

Zora Neal Hurston (January 7, 1891 – January 28, 1960)

Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967)