African American Migration

Definition

African American migration refers to the movement of African Americans from rural Southern states to urban areas in the North and West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily driven by the search for better economic opportunities and escaping oppressive conditions. This mass migration significantly influenced the development of jazz, as African Americans brought their musical traditions with them, creating new styles such as ragtime and blues in urban settings like Chicago and New York.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration saw approximately six million African Americans leave the South between 1916 and 1970, seeking jobs in industrial cities due to the decline of agricultural work.
2. This migration led to the establishment of vibrant African American communities in Northern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where cultural expressions flourished.
3. The influx of Southern migrants significantly contributed to the birth and evolution of jazz as musicians blended traditional African American musical forms with new urban influences.
4. During this period, venues such as juke joints and bars became essential spaces for live music, helping to popularize jazz and blues among diverse audiences.
5. The migration also played a role in shaping social and political movements, as African Americans sought equal rights and better living conditions in their new urban environments.

Review Questions

• How did African American migration influence the development of jazz music in urban settings?
  • African American migration led to significant changes in music as millions moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North. Musicians brought traditional forms like blues and ragtime with them, which adapted to new environments and merged with other musical influences. This cultural exchange facilitated the birth of jazz, allowing it to flourish in cities where diverse populations interacted, leading to innovative musical styles.
• Discuss the impact of the Great Migration on African American communities in Northern cities regarding cultural expression.
  • The Great Migration transformed African American communities in Northern cities by creating vibrant cultural hubs. As migrants settled into cities like Chicago and New York, they established neighborhoods that celebrated their heritage through music, art, and literature. This cultural expression laid the groundwork for influential movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing how migration not only altered demographics but also enriched artistic landscapes.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of African American migration on American society and music culture.
  • The long-term implications of African American migration reshaped both American society and its music culture profoundly. It facilitated the rise of jazz as a major musical genre that crossed racial boundaries and became a symbol of cultural exchange. Additionally, this migration influenced social dynamics by fostering civil rights movements aimed at achieving equality. The legacies of this migration continue to resonate today, highlighting its role in diversifying America's cultural identity.

Related terms

Great Migration: The Great Migration was a significant period of African American movement from the rural South to the urban North, occurring primarily between 1916 and 1970, resulting in demographic shifts and cultural transformations.

Ragtime: Ragtime is a musical genre that emerged in the late 19th century characterized by its syncopated rhythms, often played on the piano, which became a crucial precursor to jazz.

Blues: Blues is a music genre that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South, characterized by its expressive melodies and lyrics reflecting the struggles of life, which laid the foundation for many jazz styles.