Harlem Renaissance

Between post-WWI and the 1930s, there was a drastic change for African American culture, known as the Harlem Renaissance. This social, artistic, literary change took place in Harlem, NY as one of the major effects of the Great Migration. Countless numbers of black residents in the south picked up their belongings and left for the northeastern cities and formed clumps of black neighborhoods like Harlem, and enlightened the entire nation with a surge of their lively culture. This nationwide movement gave birth to particularly notable elements of their culture, such as literature, art, and jazz.

Perhaps the most famous writer was a poet: Langston Hughes. Born in Joplin, Missouri, Hughes was a man made of elite education, receiving degrees from Columbia University and Lincoln University. His first poetry book, The Weary Blues, was published in 1924. His primary influence is claimed to be Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, and Walt Whitman. He is best known for his insightful, colorful, passionate, unfaltering portrayal of black culture in his poetry and books.

Harlem Renaissance also produced an unheard genre of music: Jazz. As jazz became widely known around the nation, it became classified as a sophisticated but fun form of art. With the advancement of the radio, many listeners began to tune in to the artistic talents of young African Americans. It was performed at nightclubs and its most notable sound was the dynamic saxophone.

This time in history is considered as the age of outbreak from traditional methods and the Harlem Renaissance was one of them. It created the term "New Negro" which described the more politically assertive, free, self-confident African Americans who took pride in their race and culture. As it grew from a town-wide to a nationwide revolution, a huge step was taken towards improving the perspective on African Americans.

   

Source:
http://www.jazzinamerica.org/lessonplan/5/4/251
http://www.ushistory.org/us/46e.asp
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-harlem-renaissance-and-american-music-by-mike-oppenheim.php