The Harlem Renaissance refers to an era of written and artistic creativity among African-Americans that occurred after World War I and lasted until the middle of the 1930s Depression.
A major factor leading to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the migration of African-Americans to the northern cities. Between 1919 and 1926, large numbers of black Americans left their rural southern states homes to move to urban centers such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC.
This black urban migration combined with the experimental trends occurring throughout 1920s American society and the rise of a group of radical black intellectuals all contributed to the particular styles and unprecedented success of black artists. What began as a series of literary discussions in lower Manhattan (Greenwich Village) and upper Manhattan (Harlem) was first known as the 'New Negro Movement.' Later termed the Harlem Renaissance, this movement brought unprecedented creative activity in writing, art, and music and redefined expressions of African-Americans and their heritage.
A major factor leading to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the migration of African-Americans to the northern cities. Between 1919 and 1926, large numbers of black Americans left their rural southern states homes to move to urban centers such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC.
This black urban migration combined with the experimental trends occurring throughout 1920s American society and the rise of a group of radical black intellectuals all contributed to the particular styles and unprecedented success of black artists. What began as a series of literary discussions in lower Manhattan (Greenwich Village) and upper Manhattan (Harlem) was first known as the 'New Negro Movement.' Later termed the Harlem Renaissance, this movement brought unprecedented creative activity in writing, art, and music and redefined expressions of African-Americans and their heritage.
This week's blog requires that you explore the major works of several figures of the Harlem Reniassance ans consider their achievements in a historical context:
Identify two key figures of the Harlem Renaissance and use the research links provided by the libary of congress' website at:
For each artist/ musician/ writer whose work you explore, identify:
a) his/her major contributions to the period
b) why his/ her work is celebrated and considered signifigant in American history.
Image: Drawing in two colors, Winold Reiss, 1920.
Then discuss the similarites and differences of each figures' work. In what ways do their written/musical/ artistic expressions reflect the political, economic and cultural aspects of life in Harlem in the 1920's and 30s? Use historical evidence to support your answer.
Additional sources may be found at: http://www.42explore2.com/harlem.htm
Your blog must be at least 200 words. You may incorporate images, links to music, etc. in your post. Be sure to respond to the work of one of your peers.
Due Sunday 4/27.
