Harlem Renaissance

Harlem Renaissance1918 to mid-1930sAfter the emancipation of African American slaves, racism and prejudice was still heavily apparent in the South. World War I created new industrial work opportunities. This industrialization attracted people to cities from rural areas.These both caused the Great Migration when 6 million African Americans moved from the rural south to the urbanized areas of the Northeast and Midwest.BackgroundDuring the early portion of the 20th century, Harlem, in New York City, attracted both people seeking work from the South and an educated class who made the area a center of culture, as well as a growing African American middle class.

HarlemThrough intellect and production of literature, art, and music the people could challenge the pervading racism and stereotypes to promote progressive or socialist politics, and racial and social integration. The creation of art and literature would serve to "uplift" the race.BeliefsThe influence of the experience of slavery and emerging African-American folk traditions on black identityThe effects of institutional racismThe dilemmas inherent in performing and writing for elite white audiencesThe question of how to convey the experience of modern black life in the urban North.

ThemesJazz music was made popular during the Harlem Renaissance. Some notable musicians were Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong.

Jelly Roll Morton Black Bottom Stomp

Music

Poetry, fiction, and drama were all popularly written during this time.Some poets, like Jean Toomer and Langston Hughes, got their inspiration from the music of the day, and showed it in their lyrical prose. Writers were more likely to incorporate African American vernacular speech into their writing.Known for its modernity (i.e. protesting racial oppression)Literaturenull195224.3