The Harlem Renaissance: An Overview

The Harlem Renaissance was a crucial period of creativity, political and social activism, and economic growth in the African American community. Occurring between the years of 1918 and 1937, it was a time of artistic, literary and musical revival, making New York City’s Harlem district the epicenter of this cultural change.

The Birth of the Harlem Renaissance

It began shortly after the mass migration of African Americans from the rural south to the industrial north, drawn by the promise of better jobs and wages. With the influx of over a million African Americans, Harlem became a mecca for African American culture, creating an environment in which these new arrivals could celebrate their heritage and create a sense of identity and pride.

The Contributions of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great artistic and literary creativity. Many African Americans who had felt invisible in the American culture were now able to express themselves through the arts. Writers such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Amiri Baraka all had works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction published during the era. Jazz bands filled Harlem’s cafes and nightspots like The Savoy, Cotton Club and The Conga. Musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald became household names. Visual artists like Aaron Douglas, Langston Hughes, and James Van Der Zee produced dynamic works of art that still stand today.

The Legacy of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of celebration of African Americans and a time of heightened self-awareness, aspiration, and activism. It left an indelible imprint on the culture of the United States, both then and now. Although the period officially ended in 1937, its influence can still be seen in music, art, and literature today.