Harlem Renaissance
Kelli Rutkowski
Essential Question:
Despite overt racism, how did Negro's improve life in the 1920s for themselves?
-From 1916 to 1930 there was great migration of African Americans to northern cities. They were driven from their homes in the south or in rural areas because of the limited economic activities and the strong segregation laws. Many began moving forward at the start of World War I because white industrial workers joined the army and so their jobs were left vacant. Although the growing migration north caused tensions to increase in the North, African Americans actively tried to build a new place for themselves in public life by confronting economic, political, and social challenges which developed the black urban culture that would be very influential in the future.
Despite overt racism, how did Negro's improve life in the 1920s for themselves?
-From 1916 to 1930 there was great migration of African Americans to northern cities. They were driven from their homes in the south or in rural areas because of the limited economic activities and the strong segregation laws. Many began moving forward at the start of World War I because white industrial workers joined the army and so their jobs were left vacant. Although the growing migration north caused tensions to increase in the North, African Americans actively tried to build a new place for themselves in public life by confronting economic, political, and social challenges which developed the black urban culture that would be very influential in the future.
What developments during WWI helped give rise to the Harlem Renaissance?
-The Great Migration is a central reason for the start of the Harlem Renaissance, and The Great Migration was caused by WWI so it all really started as an effect of the war. When white men either volunteered for the military or were drafted they had to leave their factory jobs behind. At the same time African Americans were facing harsh segregation, low economic opportunities and hateful anti-black groups in the south and rural areas, so they decided to migrate north in order to escape at least a small amount of those issues. So African Americans moved north they took those factory jobs and later on when the white males came back, it caused extreme racial tensions. At that time blacks really just needed to start fighting back and so they actively fought to maintain and increase their place in public life and confronted all the challenges they faced, and so the Harlem Renaissance began.
-The Great Migration is a central reason for the start of the Harlem Renaissance, and The Great Migration was caused by WWI so it all really started as an effect of the war. When white men either volunteered for the military or were drafted they had to leave their factory jobs behind. At the same time African Americans were facing harsh segregation, low economic opportunities and hateful anti-black groups in the south and rural areas, so they decided to migrate north in order to escape at least a small amount of those issues. So African Americans moved north they took those factory jobs and later on when the white males came back, it caused extreme racial tensions. At that time blacks really just needed to start fighting back and so they actively fought to maintain and increase their place in public life and confronted all the challenges they faced, and so the Harlem Renaissance began.
How was racial consciousness and racial pride affected by the Harlem Renaissance?
-The racial conflicts the African Americans faced at the end of WWI were harsh because of the competitive nature in economics in the north. When they began to hold their ground rather than shy away from the conflicts, and by doing so racial pride become very strong. Langston Hughes was an established Harlem Renaissance writer and in The Nation Magazine he stated "Why should I want to be white? I am Negro-and beautiful", and that essentially shows the attitude throughout this time period. Blacks no longer felt bad about who they were, the racial discrimination they faced did not need to define who they were and so their confidence soared. The confidence also allowed the advancements of their culture to become so popular in this age such as Jazz music, African American Literature and organizations such as NAACP and UNIA.
-The racial conflicts the African Americans faced at the end of WWI were harsh because of the competitive nature in economics in the north. When they began to hold their ground rather than shy away from the conflicts, and by doing so racial pride become very strong. Langston Hughes was an established Harlem Renaissance writer and in The Nation Magazine he stated "Why should I want to be white? I am Negro-and beautiful", and that essentially shows the attitude throughout this time period. Blacks no longer felt bad about who they were, the racial discrimination they faced did not need to define who they were and so their confidence soared. The confidence also allowed the advancements of their culture to become so popular in this age such as Jazz music, African American Literature and organizations such as NAACP and UNIA.
What contributions did African Americans make in the fields of music, literature, and the arts?
-One of the most highly applauded contributions of the Harlem Renaissance was the birth of Jazz. Jazz is a combination of African music styles with the previously popular European music styles. This music, primarily performed by blacks, easily gained respect as a great art form and it was the first time in America where the culture of African Americans became a desire of the majority of American citizens.
-African American's also made contributions in literature and the arts. Many African American writers began to focus on who the negro was as a person and why they are just as important as other races. These writers were very popular, although controversial at times and include the great Langston Hughes as well as Claude Mckay. African American art was also popular and focused on the same point as the literature. The art was created in a variety of styles and with that, the literature and the birth of jazz, African Americans left a strong mark in the American Culture.
-One of the most highly applauded contributions of the Harlem Renaissance was the birth of Jazz. Jazz is a combination of African music styles with the previously popular European music styles. This music, primarily performed by blacks, easily gained respect as a great art form and it was the first time in America where the culture of African Americans became a desire of the majority of American citizens.
-African American's also made contributions in literature and the arts. Many African American writers began to focus on who the negro was as a person and why they are just as important as other races. These writers were very popular, although controversial at times and include the great Langston Hughes as well as Claude Mckay. African American art was also popular and focused on the same point as the literature. The art was created in a variety of styles and with that, the literature and the birth of jazz, African Americans left a strong mark in the American Culture.
How did mass media, the birth and evolution of jazz, and the Harlem Renaissance create a blend of American culture?
-New York was essentially where the Harlem Renaissance took place, and since it is such a melting pot amidst itself, there was no surprise that the movement integrated so easily into the American culture. Many names came into their own during the Harlem Renaissance such as Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, and Booker T. Washington. These people, as well as the many others, all brought huge transformations in black culture, but with mass media and the public interest in jazz, their transformations in black culture also translated into the entire American culture. All the cultures in New York willingly experimented with jazz, blues, and other African American art forms and either were directly successful or ended up creating close imitation arts that began to merge and blend into all cultures. The blending of cultures helped to integrate society and make social change acceptable which will eventually lead to the equality we have today.
-New York was essentially where the Harlem Renaissance took place, and since it is such a melting pot amidst itself, there was no surprise that the movement integrated so easily into the American culture. Many names came into their own during the Harlem Renaissance such as Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, and Booker T. Washington. These people, as well as the many others, all brought huge transformations in black culture, but with mass media and the public interest in jazz, their transformations in black culture also translated into the entire American culture. All the cultures in New York willingly experimented with jazz, blues, and other African American art forms and either were directly successful or ended up creating close imitation arts that began to merge and blend into all cultures. The blending of cultures helped to integrate society and make social change acceptable which will eventually lead to the equality we have today.
How did Marcus Garvey's UNIA show an emergence of blacks asserting themselves?
-Marcus Garvey was a man who was disgusted by the discrimination, segregation and racial violence he witnessed after WWI. In retaliation he created the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and and tried to get working-class and lower-class people to join him. the organization was committed to separatism and in believing that, the group thought they needed an autonomous, black-led nation in Africa. Although that was the main movement in the organization, it was unsuccessful, but the organization was successful in demonstrating to others how blacks were beginning to assert themselves. Those who were apart of the movement asserted who they were, what they stood for and that equality was a necessity. The assertion of these people led to a new identity for those of the African American race and would benefit them in the future when attempting to move forward with equality.
-Marcus Garvey was a man who was disgusted by the discrimination, segregation and racial violence he witnessed after WWI. In retaliation he created the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and and tried to get working-class and lower-class people to join him. the organization was committed to separatism and in believing that, the group thought they needed an autonomous, black-led nation in Africa. Although that was the main movement in the organization, it was unsuccessful, but the organization was successful in demonstrating to others how blacks were beginning to assert themselves. Those who were apart of the movement asserted who they were, what they stood for and that equality was a necessity. The assertion of these people led to a new identity for those of the African American race and would benefit them in the future when attempting to move forward with equality.
Primary Source
Excerpt from Langston Hughes' "The Negro Artist & The Racial Mountain" published in "The Nation" in 1926
"I am ashamed for the black poet who says, "I want to be a poet, not a Negro poet," as though his own racial world were not as interesting as any other world. I am ashamed, too, for the colored artist who runs from the painting of Negro faces to the painting of sunsets after the manner of the academicians because he fears the strange unwhiteness of his own features. An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he must choose... We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful. And ugly too. The tom-tom cries and the tom-tom laughs. If colored people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, their displeasure doesn't matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves"
AAPARTS
AUTHOR
-Langston Hughes, a black Harlem Renaissance writer and poet, wrote this article.
PLACE & TIME
-He wrote this article in 1926 and it was published in The Nation.
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
-I knew Langston Hughes was a poet who got his fame during the Harlem Renaissance, and he wrote about his experiences without hiding the fact that he was black or his culture from his audience.
AUDIENCE
-Langston Hughes’ audience was most likely both black and white adults because he needed to convince the blacks that they don’t/shouldn’t hide who they are nor their culture while it might also be targeted at whites so that they might possibly understand the black point of view.
REASON
-This excerpt was produced in 1926 so it was amidst the movement of racial pride brought by the Harlem Renaissance. Although the blacks were already becoming proud of who they were, many still needed a boost in order to express that pride. Hughes needed to help boost others and explain to them what he is witnessing as well as how to change it.
THE MAIN IDEA
-Hughes’ main point was to convince other blacks on the fact that they should not be ashamed of who they are and that they should express their selves in their art rather than just focusing on what whites want.
SIGNIFICANCE
-The excerpt is very significant for a few reasons. One, it was written by Langston Hughes who is a celebrated writer brought about by The Harlem Renaissance. Secondly, this writing shows what the black artists have done previously which is hiding their culture by creating art that the whites wanted, that is important to note because not many realize that blacks were doing this. Thirdly, he was standing up for what he believed in and trying to get others to also believe in his ideas and not only are his ideas significant, but it is also significant because it shows how blacks were now speaking out to the point that they would not/could not beforehand.
Excerpt from Langston Hughes' "The Negro Artist & The Racial Mountain" published in "The Nation" in 1926
"I am ashamed for the black poet who says, "I want to be a poet, not a Negro poet," as though his own racial world were not as interesting as any other world. I am ashamed, too, for the colored artist who runs from the painting of Negro faces to the painting of sunsets after the manner of the academicians because he fears the strange unwhiteness of his own features. An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he must choose... We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful. And ugly too. The tom-tom cries and the tom-tom laughs. If colored people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, their displeasure doesn't matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves"
AAPARTS
AUTHOR
-Langston Hughes, a black Harlem Renaissance writer and poet, wrote this article.
PLACE & TIME
-He wrote this article in 1926 and it was published in The Nation.
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
-I knew Langston Hughes was a poet who got his fame during the Harlem Renaissance, and he wrote about his experiences without hiding the fact that he was black or his culture from his audience.
AUDIENCE
-Langston Hughes’ audience was most likely both black and white adults because he needed to convince the blacks that they don’t/shouldn’t hide who they are nor their culture while it might also be targeted at whites so that they might possibly understand the black point of view.
REASON
-This excerpt was produced in 1926 so it was amidst the movement of racial pride brought by the Harlem Renaissance. Although the blacks were already becoming proud of who they were, many still needed a boost in order to express that pride. Hughes needed to help boost others and explain to them what he is witnessing as well as how to change it.
THE MAIN IDEA
-Hughes’ main point was to convince other blacks on the fact that they should not be ashamed of who they are and that they should express their selves in their art rather than just focusing on what whites want.
SIGNIFICANCE
-The excerpt is very significant for a few reasons. One, it was written by Langston Hughes who is a celebrated writer brought about by The Harlem Renaissance. Secondly, this writing shows what the black artists have done previously which is hiding their culture by creating art that the whites wanted, that is important to note because not many realize that blacks were doing this. Thirdly, he was standing up for what he believed in and trying to get others to also believe in his ideas and not only are his ideas significant, but it is also significant because it shows how blacks were now speaking out to the point that they would not/could not beforehand.
Vocabulary
Renaissance
-The activity, spirit or time of a great revival of art, literature, and learning.
Jazz
-A type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm, emerging at the beginning of the 20th century. Brass and woodwind instruments and piano are particularly associated with jazz, although guitar and occasionally violin are also used
Renaissance
-The activity, spirit or time of a great revival of art, literature, and learning.
Jazz
-A type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and usually a regular or forceful rhythm, emerging at the beginning of the 20th century. Brass and woodwind instruments and piano are particularly associated with jazz, although guitar and occasionally violin are also used
Thinking like a Historian: Cause & Effect
-The Harlem Renaissance was caused because of a growing racial pride, anger against social injustices, and The Great Migration. Once African Americans began to express their pride as well as their feelings towards injustice it caused a flow of the African American Culture into the modern society and thus the Harlem Renaissance began. Throughout the movement African Americans expressed their feelings through varieties of artistic ways and the more they produced the works of art, the more people joined the movement. Many whites did not want the movement to continue but others didn't take notice of what was really happening at first, many just enjoyed the music and dancing and accepted it as it was without really acknowledging that it was thanks to the African Americans. The effects of the Harlem Renaissance were seen in the decades after and even can be seen today. African Americans were expressing their culture and that increased their racial pride which would eventually lead to the civil rights movement and more. The art that was created during the movement was also effective because it helped them express themselves, change white people's minds, and even created a music genre that was entirely their own but yet was accepted by most everyone.
-The Harlem Renaissance was caused because of a growing racial pride, anger against social injustices, and The Great Migration. Once African Americans began to express their pride as well as their feelings towards injustice it caused a flow of the African American Culture into the modern society and thus the Harlem Renaissance began. Throughout the movement African Americans expressed their feelings through varieties of artistic ways and the more they produced the works of art, the more people joined the movement. Many whites did not want the movement to continue but others didn't take notice of what was really happening at first, many just enjoyed the music and dancing and accepted it as it was without really acknowledging that it was thanks to the African Americans. The effects of the Harlem Renaissance were seen in the decades after and even can be seen today. African Americans were expressing their culture and that increased their racial pride which would eventually lead to the civil rights movement and more. The art that was created during the movement was also effective because it helped them express themselves, change white people's minds, and even created a music genre that was entirely their own but yet was accepted by most everyone.