8.2 The Harlem Renaissance
11 min read•august 21, 2024
The was a cultural explosion in 1920s-30s New York that transformed African American art and literature. This movement, born from the and post-WWI shifts, saw black artists and writers explore identity, heritage, and social issues through innovative forms.
Key figures like and created works that challenged stereotypes and celebrated black culture. The Renaissance's impact extended beyond Harlem, influencing American arts broadly and laying groundwork for future movements.
Origins of Harlem Renaissance
- Harlem Renaissance emerged as a cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s and 1930s, centered in Harlem, New York City
- Represented a flowering of African American culture, encompassing literature, music, , and intellectual discourse
- Profoundly impacted the development of urban arts and culture in the United States
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- Mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North
- Approximately 6 million African Americans relocated between 1916 and 1970
- Driven by factors such as:
- Economic opportunities in Northern industrial cities
- Escape from racial oppression and Jim Crow laws in the South
- Improved transportation networks (railroads)
- Resulted in the concentration of African American populations in urban centers (Chicago, Detroit, New York)
- Created fertile ground for cultural exchange and artistic innovation
Post-World War I influences
- African American soldiers returned from WWI with new perspectives on equality and freedom
- Increased and self-assertion among African Americans
- Disillusionment with continued discrimination despite wartime service fueled artistic expression
- European avant-garde movements (Cubism, Expressionism) influenced African American artists
- Cultural exchange with European intellectuals and artists during and after the war
Socioeconomic factors
- Rapid urbanization created new social dynamics and cultural spaces
- Growth of a black middle class in Northern cities provided patronage for the arts
- Economic disparities and racial segregation in urban areas influenced artistic themes
- Prohibition era (1920-1933) led to the rise of speakeasies and nightclubs, fostering musical innovation
- Technological advancements (radio, phonograph) facilitated the spread of African American music and culture
Key figures and contributors
- Harlem Renaissance involved a diverse group of artists, writers, and intellectuals who shaped African American culture
- Movement fostered collaboration and cross-pollination between different artistic disciplines
- Key figures often served as mentors and patrons for emerging talents in the community
Writers and poets
- Langston Hughes pioneered poetry and explored themes of racial pride and everyday black life
- Zora Neale Hurston combined anthropological research with fiction to portray rural African American culture
- 's poetry and novels addressed racial injustice and the complexities of black identity
- 's formal poetry style challenged racial stereotypes and explored classical themes
- 's novels (Passing, Quicksand) examined issues of racial identity and social mobility
Visual artists
- created distinctive murals and illustrations that blended Art Deco and African motifs
- sculpted powerful representations of African American figures and mentored young artists
- 's paintings depicted both rural Southern life and urban Harlem scenes
- 's Migration Series visually narrated the Great Migration through 60 paintings
- incorporated African and Caribbean influences in her vibrant paintings and textile designs
Musicians and performers
- revolutionized jazz trumpet playing and popularized scat singing
- 's sophisticated compositions elevated jazz to an art form
- , known as the "Empress of the ," brought emotional depth to blues vocals
- achieved international fame as a dancer and entertainer in Paris
- excelled as a singer, actor, and civil rights activist on stage and screen
Literary achievements
- Harlem Renaissance literature marked a significant shift in African American writing
- Writers explored themes of racial identity, cultural heritage, and social critique
- Literary works challenged stereotypes and presented complex portrayals of black life
Poetry and prose
- Experimentation with form and language reflected the influence of modernist techniques
- Jazz poetry emerged as a distinctive genre, incorporating musical rhythms and improvisation
- Poets like Langston Hughes and Sterling Brown incorporated vernacular speech and folk traditions
- Prose writers developed new narrative styles to capture the African American experience
- Anthologies like (1925) compiled works by emerging and established writers
Novels and short stories
- Novels explored themes of racial passing, urban life, and the complexities of black identity
- Jean Toomer's (1923) blended poetry, prose, and drama to portray Southern black life
- Nella Larsen's Passing (1929) examined the psychological effects of racial identity and social expectations
- Zora Neale Hurston's (1937) celebrated rural black culture and female empowerment
- Short story collections like The Ways of White Folks by Langston Hughes (1934) critiqued racial dynamics
Essays and criticism
- Intellectual discourse flourished through essays, manifestos, and critical writings
- W.E.B. Du Bois's concept of "" influenced many Harlem Renaissance writers
- Alain Locke's anthology The New Negro (1925) provided a theoretical framework for the movement
- James Weldon Johnson's preface to The Book of American Negro Poetry (1922) argued for the cultural significance of black literature
- Zora Neale Hurston's anthropological essays documented African American folklore and cultural practices
Visual arts movement
- Visual arts during the Harlem Renaissance reflected a fusion of African heritage and modernist techniques
- Artists sought to create a distinctive black aesthetic while challenging racial stereotypes
- Visual representation played a crucial role in shaping African American identity and cultural pride
Painting and sculpture
- Painters incorporated African motifs, geometric patterns, and vibrant colors into their work
- Aaron Douglas's murals (Aspects of Negro Life series) became iconic representations of the Harlem Renaissance
- Sculptors like Augusta Savage and Richmond Barthé created powerful three-dimensional portrayals of black figures
- Landscape paintings by artists like William H. Johnson depicted both rural and urban African American scenes
- Abstract expressionist techniques influenced later Harlem Renaissance painters like Norman Lewis
Photography and illustration
- James Van Der Zee's studio portraits documented the style and aspirations of Harlem's residents
- Documentary photographers like Gordon Parks captured everyday life in Harlem
- Illustrators created powerful images for book covers, magazines, and political posters
- Winold Reiss's portraits of Harlem Renaissance figures appeared in publications like The New Negro
- Photographic essays in magazines like Survey Graphic brought Harlem culture to a wider audience
Graphic design trends
- Art Deco influences shaped graphic design in Harlem Renaissance publications
- Magazine covers and book jackets featured bold typography and stylized illustrations
- Poster designs for theater productions and nightclubs reflected the vibrant Harlem scene
- Aaron Douglas's silhouette style became a signature look for many Harlem Renaissance publications
- Graphic artists incorporated African-inspired patterns and motifs into their designs
Music and performance
- Music played a central role in the Harlem Renaissance, influencing literature and visual arts
- Performance venues in Harlem became cultural hubs for artistic innovation and social interaction
- African American musical forms gained mainstream popularity and influenced American culture
Jazz and blues evolution
- Jazz evolved from earlier forms like ragtime and developed new styles (swing, bebop)
- Harlem clubs like the and Savoy Ballroom became incubators for jazz innovation
- Louis Armstrong's virtuosic trumpet playing and scat singing revolutionized jazz performance
- Duke Ellington's sophisticated compositions elevated jazz to the status of classical music
- Blues singers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey brought emotional depth to their performances
Theater and dance productions
- Broadway shows like Shuffle Along (1921) featured all-black casts and brought jazz to mainstream audiences
- Experimental theater groups like the Lafayette Players explored new dramatic forms
- Choreographers like Katherine Dunham incorporated African and Caribbean dance elements
- The Savoy Ballroom popularized the Lindy Hop and other social dances
- Langston Hughes's mulatto (1935) addressed racial themes on Broadway
Cabaret and nightlife culture
- Harlem's nightclubs became gathering places for artists, intellectuals, and socialites
- Prohibition-era speakeasies fostered a vibrant underground culture
- Cabaret performances blended music, dance, and comedy
- Drag balls and LGBTQ+ nightlife flourished in venues like the Ubangi Club
- Rent parties provided informal performance spaces and financial support for musicians
Cultural impact and legacy
- Harlem Renaissance profoundly influenced American culture and African American identity
- Movement's impact extended beyond the arts to social and political spheres
- Legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists and cultural movements
African American identity
- Fostered a new sense of racial pride and cultural self-assertion
- Challenged negative stereotypes and presented complex portrayals of black life
- Explored concepts of double consciousness and the African diaspora
- Influenced later movements like Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s
- Contributed to the development of African American Studies as an academic discipline
Mainstream cultural influence
- Introduced African American art forms to wider audiences
- Jazz and blues became integral parts of American musical culture
- Literary works entered the canon of American literature
- Visual aesthetics influenced fashion, design, and popular culture
- Harlem became a symbol of urban sophistication and cultural innovation
Civil rights movement precursor
- Intellectual discourse laid groundwork for later civil rights activism
- Artists and writers addressed themes of racial injustice and equality
- Cultural achievements challenged notions of racial inferiority
- Networks formed during the Harlem Renaissance facilitated later organizing efforts
- Figures like Langston Hughes and Paul Robeson became active in civil rights causes
Harlem as cultural epicenter
- Harlem transformed from a predominantly white neighborhood to the center of African American culture
- Geographical concentration of talent and resources fostered artistic collaboration and innovation
- Harlem's cultural institutions played a crucial role in supporting and promoting the arts
Neighborhood transformation
- Rapid demographic shift in early 20th century as African Americans moved to Harlem
- Development of black-owned businesses and cultural institutions
- Residential segregation created a concentrated community of African American talent
- Harlem's urban landscape inspired writers, artists, and musicians
- Tension between cultural richness and economic challenges shaped artistic themes
Artistic venues and gatherings
- Clubs like the Cotton Club and showcased African American talent
- Salons hosted by A'Lelia Walker and Carl Van Vechten brought artists and patrons together
- Libraries and bookstores (135th Street Library, National Negro Library) served as intellectual hubs
- Art galleries and exhibitions provided spaces for visual artists to showcase their work
- Churches played a role in nurturing gospel music and providing community spaces
Patronage and support systems
- Wealthy white patrons like Carl Van Vechten and Charlotte Osgood Mason supported artists financially
- African American publications like The Crisis and Opportunity provided platforms for writers
- Informal networks of support among artists and intellectuals facilitated collaboration
- Institutions like the Harmon Foundation offered awards and exhibitions for visual artists
- Historically black colleges and universities provided educational opportunities and support for artists
Philosophical and social ideologies
- Harlem Renaissance encompassed diverse and sometimes conflicting ideological perspectives
- Debates over racial identity, artistic expression, and social progress shaped the movement
- Intellectual discourse addressed the role of art in advancing social and political goals
New Negro movement
- Concept of the "New Negro" promoted racial pride and self-reliance
- Alain Locke's anthology The New Negro (1925) articulated the movement's philosophical foundations
- Emphasized cultural and intellectual achievements as means of racial advancement
- Rejected older accommodationist approaches in favor of more assertive racial politics
- Influenced by Marcus Garvey's ideas of black nationalism and economic independence
Pan-Africanism vs assimilation
- Pan-African movement sought to unite people of African descent globally
- Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association promoted black self-reliance and repatriation
- W.E.B. Du Bois organized Pan-African Conferences to foster international solidarity
- Some artists and intellectuals advocated for integration and assimilation into mainstream American society
- Debates over African heritage vs American identity influenced artistic and literary themes
Gender roles and sexuality
- Women writers and artists challenged traditional gender roles
- Exploration of female sexuality and desire in works by writers like Nella Larsen
- LGBTQ+ themes and experiences addressed in literature and nightlife culture
- Blues lyrics often contained coded references to same-sex relationships
- Intersections of race and gender examined in works by writers like Zora Neale Hurston
Criticism and controversies
- Harlem Renaissance generated debates within the African American community and broader society
- Critics questioned the movement's goals, methods, and impact
- Tensions arose between artistic freedom and social responsibility
Intra-community debates
- Disagreements over the role of art in advancing racial progress
- Some criticized focus on elite culture at expense of addressing economic inequality
- Debates over use of dialect and portrayal of working-class black life in literature
- Tensions between older and younger generations of artists and intellectuals
- Discussions about the balance between racial specificity and universal themes in art
Mainstream reception
- White audiences often viewed Harlem culture through a lens of exoticism
- Some critics accused Harlem Renaissance artists of pandering to white tastes
- Positive mainstream reception sometimes came at the cost of oversimplification
- White patrons exerted influence over artistic production, leading to concerns about authenticity
- Commercial success of some artists led to accusations of "selling out"
Authenticity vs commercialization
- Debates over what constituted "authentic" black art and culture
- Concerns about exoticization and commodification of African American culture
- Some artists criticized for catering to white audiences or reinforcing stereotypes
- Tension between artistic integrity and commercial viability
- Questions about the role of white patrons and audiences in shaping the movement
End of the Renaissance
- Harlem Renaissance as a distinct movement waned in the late 1930s
- Economic, social, and cultural factors contributed to its decline
- Legacy of the movement continued to influence American culture and civil rights activism
Great Depression effects
- Economic hardship disproportionately affected African American communities
- Funding and patronage for the arts decreased significantly
- Many artists and writers struggled to support themselves through their work
- Focus shifted from artistic pursuits to economic survival and political activism
- Some Harlem Renaissance figures found employment in New Deal arts programs
Shifting artistic focus
- Rise of social realism and protest literature in response to economic conditions
- Increased emphasis on explicitly political art and writing
- Some artists moved away from racial themes to address broader social issues
- Emergence of new artistic movements and styles (Abstract Expressionism, Bebop)
- Diaspora of talent as many artists left Harlem for other cities or countries
Long-term cultural reverberations
- Harlem Renaissance influenced later cultural movements (Black Arts Movement, Hip Hop)
- Literary works entered academic canon and continued to be studied and celebrated
- Visual aesthetics inspired by the movement persisted in fashion and design
- Musical innovations of the era became foundational to American popular music
- Intellectual and artistic networks formed during the Renaissance facilitated later civil rights organizing
Key Terms to Review (35)
Aaron Douglas: Aaron Douglas was a prominent African American painter and graphic artist known for his significant contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, particularly through his distinctive style that blended modernist techniques with African themes and imagery. His work played a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of the Harlem Renaissance, as he sought to represent the African American experience and cultural heritage through powerful imagery and symbolism.
Apollo Theater: The Apollo Theater is a historic music hall located in Harlem, New York City, renowned for its significant role in the African American cultural landscape, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance. Opened in 1934, it became a crucial platform for black artists, showcasing a variety of performances, including music, dance, and comedy, and helping to elevate African American culture and talent on a national stage.
Augusta Savage: Augusta Savage was a prominent African American sculptor and artist during the Harlem Renaissance, known for her powerful and expressive works that often highlighted themes of Black identity and social justice. Her contributions to the arts were significant not only for their artistic merit but also for their role in advocating for racial equality and empowerment within the African American community during a time of intense racial discrimination.
Bessie Smith: Bessie Smith was a prominent African American blues singer, often referred to as the 'Empress of the Blues,' who gained immense popularity during the 1920s. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery made her a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, contributing to the cultural flourishing of African American arts during this vibrant period. Through her music, she addressed social issues and the African American experience, helping to pave the way for future generations of artists.
Blues: Blues is a music genre that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South in the United States around the end of the 19th century. It is characterized by its expressive melodies, use of specific chord progressions, and themes often revolving around sorrow, love, and life's struggles. The blues played a crucial role in the cultural landscape during the Harlem Renaissance, as it influenced many other musical forms and became a powerful means of artistic expression.
Cane: In the context of the Harlem Renaissance, 'cane' refers to a novel written by Jean Toomer, published in 1923, which is celebrated for its innovative style and exploration of African American identity. The book is notable for blending poetry and prose, reflecting the complexity of black life in America during the early 20th century. Through its vivid imagery and themes of race, culture, and heritage, 'cane' captures the essence of the Harlem Renaissance and the search for a distinct African American voice.
Civil rights: Civil rights are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and protection under the law, free from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. These rights are foundational to a democratic society and are essential for ensuring that all citizens can participate fully and equally in civic life.
Claude McKay: Claude McKay was a Jamaican-American writer and poet whose works played a significant role in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and identity during the 1920s. His writings often explored themes of race, class struggle, and social justice, making him a vital voice in the fight against racial oppression and injustice.
Cotton Club: The Cotton Club was a famous jazz club located in Harlem, New York City, that played a significant role in the development and popularization of jazz music during the 1920s and 1930s. Known for its vibrant nightlife and performances by prominent African American musicians, it became a symbol of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing both the artistry and cultural contributions of black Americans while simultaneously reflecting the racial segregation of the time.
Countee Cullen: Countee Cullen was a prominent African American poet, novelist, and playwright during the Harlem Renaissance, celebrated for his ability to blend traditional forms with modern themes. His work often explored racial identity, love, and the complexities of life in America, making him a key figure in the cultural movement that sought to redefine African American expression and art during the 1920s and 1930s.
Cultural Identity: Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging and connection individuals or groups feel towards their culture, which is shaped by shared traditions, values, language, and historical experiences. It encompasses the ways in which people express themselves and their heritage through various forms of art, architecture, and community practices. Cultural identity plays a critical role in how communities are preserved and represented within urban spaces.
Double consciousness: Double consciousness is a concept introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois that describes the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups, particularly African Americans, as they navigate their dual identities within a society that often devalues their heritage. This term encapsulates the struggle of seeing oneself through the eyes of a prejudiced society while simultaneously holding onto one's own identity and culture. It reflects the tension between self-perception and external perception, which is particularly relevant during periods of cultural flourishing and artistic expression.
Duke Ellington: Duke Ellington was a renowned American composer, pianist, and bandleader who played a pivotal role in the development of jazz music during the 20th century. His innovative approach to music and orchestration brought jazz into the mainstream, showcasing its artistic depth and cultural significance. Ellington's music was characterized by rich harmonies, complex arrangements, and a unique blending of various musical styles, making him a central figure in the landscape of American music.
Great Migration: The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. This migration was driven by a combination of factors, including the search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination and violence, and the desire for improved living conditions. As millions of African Americans relocated, they significantly influenced urban culture, particularly in areas like music and literature.
Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American art, literature, music, and intellectualism. It marked a period of intense creativity where African American artists, writers, and musicians celebrated their cultural heritage while addressing the social issues and injustices faced by their communities.
Jacob Lawrence: Jacob Lawrence was an influential African American painter and storyteller, known for his vivid and dynamic works that often depicted the African American experience and history. His art is closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance, as it highlights the struggles and triumphs of Black life in America, reflecting both personal and collective narratives through a unique use of color and form.
Jazz: Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by its use of swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms, and improvisation. This vibrant musical form became a defining element of the cultural movement during the early 20th century, particularly as it gained popularity during the Harlem Renaissance, where it symbolized both artistic innovation and the struggle for racial equality.
Josephine Baker: Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, civil rights activist, and one of the most iconic figures of the Harlem Renaissance. She gained fame in the 1920s for her unique performances that blended music, dance, and theatricality, showcasing her exceptional talent and cultural impact. Baker became a symbol of the cultural exchange between America and Europe during this era, as well as a prominent advocate for racial equality and civil rights.
Langston Hughes: Langston Hughes was a prominent African American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright known for his significant contributions to the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s. His work emphasized the beauty and complexity of African American culture, often drawing from jazz rhythms and folk traditions, while also addressing issues of race, identity, and social justice. Hughes became a voice for the African American experience, reflecting both the struggles and celebrations of his community in an era of racial tension and artistic flourishing.
Lois Mailou Jones: Lois Mailou Jones was an influential African American artist and educator known for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and her exploration of African heritage in art. Her work often combined traditional African motifs with modernist techniques, making her a significant figure in both the art world and the movement that celebrated Black culture and identity during this transformative period in American history.
Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong was an influential American jazz trumpeter, composer, and vocalist, recognized as one of the most important figures in jazz history. His innovative approach to music and distinctive voice helped to popularize jazz as a major art form, making significant contributions to both the development of jazz and its cultural significance within urban settings. His work resonated deeply with the themes of creativity and cultural expression that emerged during the Harlem Renaissance.
NAACP: The NAACP, or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a civil rights organization founded in 1909 aimed at promoting racial equality and fighting against racial discrimination. It played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance, by supporting African American artists and intellectuals and addressing issues such as segregation and voting rights. The NAACP became a prominent voice for African Americans, working to dismantle systemic racism and promote social justice in various forms.
Nella Larsen: Nella Larsen was an influential African American novelist and writer associated with the Harlem Renaissance, known for her poignant exploration of racial identity, gender, and social dynamics in the early 20th century. Her works, including 'Quicksand' and 'Passing', vividly depict the complexities of life for African Americans, especially women, navigating a society rife with racism and class issues during a time of cultural blossoming.
New Negro Movement: The New Negro Movement was a cultural and intellectual movement during the early 20th century that sought to redefine the African American identity and promote racial pride. It was a response to the discrimination and oppression faced by Black Americans, encouraging them to embrace their heritage and fight for civil rights through art, literature, and activism. This movement laid the groundwork for the Harlem Renaissance, as it highlighted the importance of artistic expression and cultural achievements in reshaping public perceptions of Black life.
Palmer Hayden: Palmer Hayden was an influential African American painter known for his vibrant depictions of African American life and culture during the Harlem Renaissance. His work often focused on themes of community, tradition, and identity, capturing the essence of the experiences of Black Americans in the early 20th century. Hayden's art played a crucial role in defining the visual narrative of this cultural movement, blending realism with elements of folk art.
Paul Robeson: Paul Robeson was an influential African American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, known for his powerful voice and commitment to social justice. His work during the Harlem Renaissance highlighted the cultural contributions of African Americans and emphasized the importance of racial equality, making him a key figure in the movement's artistic landscape.
Performing arts: Performing arts refer to art forms that are performed live in front of an audience, encompassing disciplines like theater, dance, music, and opera. These art forms emphasize the expression of human emotion and storytelling through physical movement, sound, and visual elements. The performing arts serve as a reflection of culture and society, often exploring themes of identity, social issues, and historical events.
Racial pride: Racial pride refers to the positive recognition and celebration of one's racial identity and heritage. It is an expression of self-affirmation and confidence in one's cultural background, particularly in response to historical oppression and discrimination. This concept was a significant part of cultural movements that aimed to foster a sense of community and solidarity among marginalized groups, particularly during the early 20th century.
Social justice: Social justice is the concept of creating a fair and equal society where individuals have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources regardless of their background or identity. It emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities related to race, gender, class, and other social categories to foster a more inclusive community. Artistic expressions often serve as a powerful medium for advocating social justice, bringing awareness to marginalized voices and challenging societal norms.
The new negro: The term 'the new negro' refers to a cultural and social movement during the early 20th century, primarily associated with the Harlem Renaissance, that embraced a more assertive and confident identity among African Americans. This concept represented a shift from the previous stereotype of the submissive and passive black individual to a more empowered figure who took pride in their heritage, culture, and contributions to American society.
The Weary Blues: The Weary Blues is a poem written by Langston Hughes, published in 1926, that captures the essence of the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance through its exploration of blues music and the struggles of black life. The poem reflects themes of sorrow, resilience, and the cultural significance of music as an expression of identity and emotion. It connects deeply to the artistic movement, showcasing how artists used their work to highlight the complexities of race and life in America.
Their Eyes Were Watching God: 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a novel written by Zora Neale Hurston, published in 1937, which explores the life of Janie Crawford as she seeks self-discovery and independence in the early 20th century American South. The book is a significant work of the Harlem Renaissance, illustrating themes of race, gender, and the quest for identity, often reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of the time. Through Janie's experiences, Hurston captures the essence of African American life, infusing the narrative with rich dialect and vibrant imagery that highlight the struggles and triumphs of her characters.
Urban League: The Urban League is a civil rights organization founded in 1910 that focuses on economic and social justice for African Americans and other underserved communities. It emerged as a response to the increasing urbanization of African Americans during the Great Migration and sought to address issues such as employment, housing, and education. The league played a significant role in advocating for the rights of Black individuals while promoting equality and access to opportunities in urban areas.
Visual arts: Visual arts refer to creative works that are primarily visual in nature, encompassing various forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. This term emphasizes the importance of aesthetic experience and expression through visual mediums. During significant cultural movements, such as the Harlem Renaissance, visual arts played a crucial role in reflecting societal themes and fostering a sense of identity among communities.
Zora Neale Hurston: Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author and anthropologist, best known for her contributions to literature during the Harlem Renaissance. Her work celebrated the culture and experiences of African Americans, particularly those in the rural South, and she is recognized for her unique narrative style that incorporated dialect and folklore.