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History/ Overview

Harlem became a popular attraction for many intellectual AfricanAmerican individuals after World War I until the 1930s Depression. Due to this, Harlem was given the name the Harlem Renaissance. It was a time for talented AfricanAmerican writers or artists to express themselves, whether it was through novels, poems, music, paintings, or sculptures. The Harlem Renaissance was more than just a location; it was an incredible spirit of the time, filled with various literature and art (The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow).

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The Harlem Renaissance A Visitors Guide


The Harlem Renaissance was expressed through literary writings and a variety of artworks. Experience it now!

Harlem Renaissance Co.

Art/Music/ Writing

Political Impact
The Harlem Renaissance made a great impact that led into the Civil Rights movement. The major political them of the Harlem Renaissance was the rebirth of a people, the creation of the New Negro (PBS). African-Americans used the Harlem renaissance to recreate a more positive image for themselves. W.E.B DuBois was one of the lead politicians during the Harlem Renaissance. According to him, all art is propaganda (PBS). DuBois wanted to use art to exemplify African Americans in a positive way and promote political change for civil rights.

Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an African-American writer who helped influence the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes wrote various types of literature such as, poetry, novels, short stories, and plays. His first poetry book was published in 1926, three years after he had graduated college. Hughes died from prostate cancer in May 22, 1967. (Poets.org)

The Harlem Renaissance embraced and empowered African-American expression and displayed their culture. People living in the Harlem Renaissance used dance to rejoice and escape from their harsh lives. Social dance, the Lindy Hop in particular, connected various art forms (Drop Me Off in Harlem). African-American musical theatre captivated the culture of African-American particularly with the use of jazz music. Shuttle Along exemplifies these characteristics, expressing protest of racism through the musical lyrics. (Drop Me Off in Harlem). Expression through literature also reflected the time period. The literary movement began with W.E.B DuBois and his Talented Tenth. The intellectual group promoted art and literary expression to help African Americans discover and express their true identities. (Drop Me Off in Harlem).

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Judy Tram CAP English 9 Harlem Renaissance Co. December 2, 2013

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