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.
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:
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:
1. Identify two key figures of the Harlem Renaissance and use the research links provided by the libary of congress' website at:
2. 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.
3) Then discuss the similarites and differences of each figures' work.
a) his/her major contributions to the period
b) why his/ her work is celebrated and considered signifigant in American history.
3) 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.
Image Credit: "Drawing in Two Colors" Winold Reiss, 1920.
8 comments:
Tiffany Cho
Block F
Centered around the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the African American cultural movement, also known as the Harlem Renaissance, emerged after World War I. Due to low-paying rural jobs, segregation, and harsh Jim Crow oppression, African Americans left the South and migrated toward the North in search of a better life. Though many found better wages and job opportunities, there was still oppression in the north. To counteract the evident hatred and racism, many African Americans expressed their feelings and pride in their race through the form of art. The term “New Negro” came about in the 1920's, especially in Harlem, to suggest that African Americans would no longer stand by and endure exploitation and discrimination. One highly recognized key figure of the Harlem Renaissance was a poet by the name of Langston Hughes. Hughes mostly wrote about being an African American, revealing aspects of life in Harlem in the 1920's and 30's, such as racial prejudice. In his poem, “I, too, sing America”, Hughes speaks of how African Americans were given the lowest paying jobs and treated as if they were inferior, but that they should stand up for themselves and not be discouraged. “Part of Hughes’s importance was that, however much he may have wished to speak for the Negro, he was equally interested in speaking to the Negro” (http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/journey/hughes-transcript.html). Culturally, Langston Hughes focused more on the celebration of the African American culture, race, and life. Similarly, Palmer Hayden was a leading key figure during the Harlem Renaissance. He depicted the life of African Americans during the 1920's and 30's through painting with oils and watercolors. Instead of words, Hayden used visuals to represent events exactly as they were, allowing his audience to form opinions of their own. His paintings reflected both rural life in the South and urban life in the North, but mostly Harlem. Hayden’s painting entitled “The Janitor Who Paints” exposed the uncomfortable living conditions that African Americans had to endure, while at the same time showing the influence of jazz during that time period in his other painting “Jeunesse”. Both Langston Hughes and Palmer Hayden contributed to the Harlem Renaissance with their literature, art, and voice to the African American culture.
“I, too, sing America”- http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/journey/hughes-transcript.html
“The Janitor Who Paints”- http://www.wiu.edu/users/mukvb/hayden3.jpg
“Jeunesse”- http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/h/images/harlem_hayden_jeunesse_lg.jpg
tarina Meaders
f block
4/25/08
The Harlem Renaissance was the most memorable time for African Americans to show their newly gained independence. Many regular black individuals challenged their minds and became extraodinary in their time and ours, years after.
One of the most recognized figures from the Harlem Renaissance is poet,columnist,novelist and social activists, Langston Hughes. Whenever I was studying this period in school Mr Hughes never failed to be mentioned in class discussions. His poems were mostly favored for their truthful but uplifting lines and gave a voice to many African Americans who were still silenced during the Renaissance. As an alternative to segregated America Langston was drawn to communism and was open about his views. An Example of his political views is a poem called 'A New Song'. "Bitter was the day/When I bowed my back/
Beneath the slaver's whip..." is a a line frm the poem symbolizing Langstons obvious want for change in his society.
Zora Neale Hurston, a beautiful female figure of the Harlem Renaissance was a writer during this time. She is most known for her novel "And Their Eyes were Watching God" which was later adapted into a movie Starring Halle Berry. She and Langston Hughes were both apart of Fire! the literary movement during the enlightenment. It became the whole center of the Harlem Rennaissance where many blacks would later come to appreciate and depend on. She was also a freelance artist.
Both of these young African American individuals went to Ivy League colleges to pursue great careers but ended up being part of a legendary movement. Both Langston and Zora weren't sure they would make the difference in America that they did, when they were going out into the world, but fortunately they did. Both figures embraced their black heritage, and culture and managed to spread that pride to other blacks through writing, plays, books and poems. If only there were more people around in modern times to take things back to that level of knowing knowledge is power.
Cherricka
The Harlem Renaissance was an African American cultural movement of the 1920s and early 1930s that was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It was the first era where African American talents was taken seriously such as, literature, art, dance, and much more. There were many people that contributed a lot to the Harlem Renaissance. Josephine Baker, a well known singer/ dancer and Langston Hughes, a well known poet. These two left a new style of talent and essence for people today to admire.
Josephine Baker was not only a great singer and dancer she was also a contributor to the Civil Rights Movement. She was known for her outrageous performances and revealing costumes. She had many names, like "The Black Pearl" and "Créole Goddess". When she died she left behind a style and grace many copy today. Diana Ross and Beyonce are admirers of Josephine Baker. They copy her style, her dancing, and her stage presence. Josephine contributed great music. She left everyone who came to see her, wanting more. She brought a new way of dancing to the world and her legacy shall continue forever.
Langston Hughes was an amazing poet, writer, playwright, and short story writer. He wrote poem that were deep, yet you understood the message loud and clear.
The night is beautiful, So the faces of my people.
The stars are beautiful, So the eyes of my people
Beautiful, also, is the sun. Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people.
He contributed peaces of writing that everyone back then can relate to. He left behind a many pieces of literature, that we still read today.
Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes were equally amazing. They both brought a different taste into the Harlem Renaissance. There is no comparison because have a special talent that is still taught to us today.
Loretta Au
The Harlem Renaissance was a period between post World War I to the middle of the 1930s Depression. Large numbers of African Americans migrated to urban northern cities from their rural southern homes. With more African- Americans migrating to the north, they brought with them their heritage, which includes writing, art, and music.
James Bland was an African American musician and songwriter during the Harlem Renaissance. He, however, did not migrate from the north but was born in Flushing, New York. Throughout his career, Bland wrote over 700 songs. His stardom allowed him to tour around America, as well as Europe. He eventually died in 1911 to tuberculosis and is now buried in Merion Memorial Park.
Langston Hughes, a poet who remains well known to this day was a key figure during the Harlem Renaissance. His poetry was often about his unashamedly of being black, cultural nationalism, and the importance of racial consciousness. His poetry gave hope and pride to African- Americans throughout America. He went on to write novels, which earned him prizes like the Harmon Gold medal for literature for “Not Without Laughter”.
While James Bland and Langston Hughes created different aspects of art, both inspired people across the nation. James Bland reminded people if their culture and heritage, while Hughes’ poetry didn't allow anyone to be ashamed of their color. Hughes’ poetry was well known for their ability to make one feel comfortable.
Response to Cherricka
Many of the key figures during the Harlem Renaissance played a role in the Civil Rights Movement. Many of them worked alongside inspirations like W.E.B Dubois.
The Harlem Renaissance was a time period were A.A expressed themselves through art and writing. In relation to Tarina's blog, Many African Americans were limited to education due to their color. So instead of knowleged, their power came from expression and feeling. The soul. Though southern A.A moved to the North, to escape the harsh Jim Crow Laws and live in a safer enviorment, the still experienced Racism in the North. To ride themselves of the evil, the African Americans in the north regressed their anger and dissappointment in art and writings. " The Niger" , was later confirmend to "The New Niger". The " New Niger" would no longer stand for discrimination and would fight for his or her rights.One important leader during the Harlem Rennaisance is Marcus Garvey.Garvey was a Jamaican advocate. He belived that all A.A should return to their rightfull land in Africa. Garvey took the Harlem Rennaisance as a time to spread his belifes and become regonize. Garvey's actions worked and he gain national support. He became founder of the UClA. In addition, he became an inspiration to the practice of Rastafarian.Rasatafarians seem him as a prophet. Also, he has about 50 monuments all over the world, the most in the United States and Jamaica. Though he was not an artist, he is still considered one of the fathers of the Harlem Rennaisance. Langston Hughes, another important leader of the Harlem Renaissance, was an artist and lyricist. Through his work, he showed a time were people of all colors will be equal and how proud he was to be black.Langston won many awards and became a huge inspiration towards all. He is hugley recognized in the world today! Both men, are great icons of what struggle is and how to overcome it. Though Langstons's were much more peaceful than Garvey, they both mean a lot to my heart.
Ama Kwakye
Block F
April 27, 2008
Hamlem Renassiance
The Harlem Renassiance is the most aspiring moments African Americans have had. African Americans have gone through alot to gain an ant amount of freedom and rights because back in the eraly 90's and even today certain races thought they were better than each other but thats not the case. As Tarina said due to the "Jim Crow Oprresion" , African Americans started to migrate into the north. They even started to make a life for themeselves even through entertainment which makes up the Harmlem Renassaince. I do wonder how society would react if there is a repeat of strong segragation with seperated schools and fontains because seriously segragation hasnt ended all over the world including in New York City. A great example is the Sean Belle case.
Nonetheless, African Americans managed to survice through many hardships. Some great historical figures from the Renassanice are Alain Leroy Locke,Claude McKay,Rudolph Fisher,Langston Hughes,Nigger Heaven,Carl Van Vechten but W.E.B. Dubouis and Marcus Garvey stood out to me . W. E. B. Du Bois was a black historian and sociologist. HE was part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It was founded in 1909 to help blacks be known in society and to aleast gain basic rights. This organization was co organized by Marcus Garvey. HE was a nationalist . He was part of the “Back to Africa” movement which as used to help African Americans gain pride in the States. Together as one African Americans worked for success and for the better. They tried and sometimes failed but they got back up and tried again. With all the African Americans intelligence they put there talents together to form a society. As Cherricka said this has helped society grow and be peaceful; this proves that no one is better than another just because of there race
Ciara :]
History - Block F
The Harlem Neighborhood was the start of a new revolution for African Americans. After the harsh Jim Crow Laws caused extreme oppression in the south, many blacks moved up to the north. The idea that the north was more tolerant was widely spread, and therefore many people moved there with high hopes. The Harlem area in New York became popular place for african americans. It became a hot spot for african american culture. The arts were a big part of the area, and it became well known for the poets, artists and musicians of the area.
Langston Hughes became a well known poet of the area. Many of his poems told the stories of the struggles of blacks. He attended school and became extremely famous for his short stories, poems and other ways of artistic expression. Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz singer. She was famous for a type of performance called "skatting" and made many recording. Both artist are founders of the harlem renaissance and the beginning of a new movement.
Karmila Saulong
Block F
By the mid 1900s African Americans were recognized for thier works of music, art, and poetry; an era was known as the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance had many influencial poets, musicans, and artists that have made a huge contribution towards the movement for African Americans who could embrace thier hertiage. An influencial musician during the Harlem Renaissance was Billie Holiday. Not only was Billie Holiday a famous woman singer but she was a famous black woman who was a singer. At that time, Holiday faced extreme hardships such as racism. As a African American woman who dreamed of singing she used a stage name of Bille, her real name being Elenora. She sang about the truth of living as about being discriminated against in a society where African Americans were not welcomed. Her music was an inspiration to many at the time. She is celebrated because of her struggle to become known as a singer who was a woman. Another important person during the Harlem Renaissance was James Baldwin. A novelist, play writer, and essayist, Baldwin became famous for writing stories such as Sonny Blues and Go tell the Mountain. He grew up as a poor child who later became a involved in literature and the civil rights movement. He is recognized for opening up the issues of race through his writing.
The music and writings of Billie Holiday and James Baldwin helped shape the politcal, economical, cultural aspects of life in Harlem. These people were an example to many African Americans who believed in achieving the American dream. They wrote or sang about the mistreatment of African Americans in society. Also as more of these figures became popular, the more accepted they became.
In response to ciara, these people can certainly be named the founders of the Harlem Renaissance. This era was a positive movement for African Americans and led to the rise of black intellectuals that have affected society forever.
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