The Crisis

Definition

The Crisis was a significant African American publication that served as the official magazine of the NAACP, founded in 1910. It aimed to address and articulate the struggles, hopes, and aspirations of African Americans during a time of severe racial discrimination and violence, making it a crucial platform for promoting civil rights and cultural expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Crisis was launched in 1910 by W.E.B. Du Bois, who served as its first editor, aiming to challenge the pervasive racism of the time.
2. The magazine played a critical role in raising awareness about racial violence, including lynching, and advocated for civil rights through journalism and literature.
3. During its publication run, The Crisis featured works from prominent African American writers and intellectuals, including Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen.
4. The magazine served as an important forum for discussing issues related to education, employment, and civil rights, helping to mobilize public opinion against injustice.
5. Through its publications, The Crisis helped to foster a sense of community among African Americans and inspired future generations to continue the fight for equality.

Review Questions

• How did The Crisis contribute to African American responses to discrimination during its early years?
  • The Crisis was instrumental in providing a voice for African Americans facing severe discrimination. It highlighted injustices such as lynching and segregation, raising awareness among both black communities and white allies. By publishing articles that detailed personal experiences and systemic injustices, The Crisis encouraged activism and helped mobilize public opinion against racial discrimination.
• Analyze the impact of The Crisis on the Harlem Renaissance's literary and cultural movements.
  • The Crisis significantly influenced the Harlem Renaissance by serving as a prominent platform for African American writers and artists to showcase their work. By publishing poetry, essays, and critiques, it not only celebrated black culture but also encouraged artists to explore themes of identity and resistance. This interaction fostered a rich literary tradition that highlighted both the struggles and achievements of African Americans during this transformative period.
• Evaluate the legacy of The Crisis in shaping contemporary discussions around race relations in America.
  • The Crisis left a lasting legacy by setting a precedent for African American media that continues to address social justice issues today. Its commitment to exposing racial injustices and advocating for civil rights resonates with contemporary movements such as Black Lives Matter. By maintaining a focus on cultural expression alongside political activism, The Crisis laid the groundwork for future dialogues about race, identity, and justice in America.

Related terms

NAACP:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, established in 1909, is one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States, focusing on fighting for social justice and equality for African Americans.

Lynching: An act of violence in which a mob takes the law into its own hands to execute someone without a legal trial, commonly targeting African Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a method of racial terror.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem during the 1920s, where African American artists, writers, and musicians celebrated their heritage and sought to redefine their identity in a racially oppressive society.