Harlem Renaissance and the Emergence of Black Independence
Vocabulary for this chapter...
Renaissance- a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival.
Jazz- music originating in New Orleans around the beginning of the 20th century and subsequently developing through various increasingly complex styles, generally marked by intricate, propulsive rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, improvisatory, virtuosic solos, melodic freedom, and a harmonic idiom ranging from simple diatonicism through chromaticism to atonality.
Renaissance- a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival.
Jazz- music originating in New Orleans around the beginning of the 20th century and subsequently developing through various increasingly complex styles, generally marked by intricate, propulsive rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, improvisatory, virtuosic solos, melodic freedom, and a harmonic idiom ranging from simple diatonicism through chromaticism to atonality.
The Emergence of the Harlem Renaissance and African American Culture
During World War One the African Americans experienced the Great Migration. The Great Migration was when a large number of black southerners left the south and migrated up north and settled in urban cities. This rose the literacy levels and organizations like the NAACP were created. The NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was formed to promote racial equality and create more opportunities for African Americans. These groups promoted racial pride which helped the forming of the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was originally known as "The Negro Movement" but then was referred to as the Harlem Renaissance later on. This was because Harlem, New York was the symbol for this cultural revival. This time period increased racial pride and racial consciousness immensely. Parts on the African American culture became more mainstream and accepted. It was time when African Americans were proud to be a part of their cultural. It gave them a new sense of pride.
The Culture
African American music like jazz and the blues began to spread worldwide. Jazz derived from New Orleans and help stories of the African Americans. It became a phenomenon. Jazz itself created whole new way of American culture. Jazz was not only a type of music but could be portrayed through fashion and literature. Jazz was really popular dance music of the time.
McKay's book Harlem's Shadows became very popular and was one of the first pieces of literature by an African American author to achieve national acclaim with a mainstream publisher.
They also put on play productions at this time. The Harlem Renaissance was very influential in the literary work as well. Authors would write about the culture. This would intrigue Americans and the books quickly became top reads.
McKay's book Harlem's Shadows became very popular and was one of the first pieces of literature by an African American author to achieve national acclaim with a mainstream publisher.
They also put on play productions at this time. The Harlem Renaissance was very influential in the literary work as well. Authors would write about the culture. This would intrigue Americans and the books quickly became top reads.
Marcus Garvey
Marcus Garvey started the UNIA, Universal Negro Improvement Association, which was an organization was founded to give African Americans more opportunities and jobs. The UNIA showed an emergence of blacks asserting themselves because they were now becoming more successful. The UNIA had more than 4 million members when it was at it's peak. The organization created it's own newspaper called The Negro World, this was sold for a nickel. The created the Black Star Line a transportation company that would transport goods amongst black nations. Liberty Houses were purchased. They opened up a school called the Liberty University. With the accomplishments that the UNIA had it was evident that the African Americans were serious about being more involved in American life. They wanted their rights and they fought to get them.
Important People of the Harlem Renaissance
- Zoe Neale Hurston- an African American writer
- Duke Ellington- jazz musician
- Bessie Smith "Empress of the Blues"- Blues musician
- W.E.B DuBois- political activist (Niagara Movement)
- Meta Warrick Fuller- a sculptor
- Louis Armstrong- jazz musician
- Aaron Doglaus- an African American painter
- Claude Mckay- author
Essential Question
- Despite overt racism, how did Negro's improve life in the 1920's for themselves?
African Americans had asserted themselves into American culture. Even though blacks were still segregated from society their culture was blending in with the whites. They started the UNIA which became very successful. They broke the boundaries of the publishing system and became a big part of the entertainment industry. Overall, the 1920s was an important period of time where African American culture became more mainstream and accepted. It was a time where African Americans showed their racial pride and took over Harlem.
APPARTS
Author: Marcus Garvey and other members of the UNIA. Marcus Garvey created the UNIA.
Place and Time: New York, August 13, 1920. This source was created in New York the birth place of the Harlem Renaissance. The 1920s was the time of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age.
Prior Knowledge: Blacks were segregated from whites at this time. They were treated unfair. Life as an African American was very difficult. Marcus Garvey started the UNIA for a chance at racial equality.
Audience: White people are the audience. They are trying to get them to listen. If the source was given to a different audience then there would be no point to it.
Reason: The reason of this source is so that things can change in society. They want their rights like the whites get with ease.
The Main Idea: The author's main point is a that the African Americans are being treated unfairly and they want their rights.
Summarize: The African American race should get their rights just like any other person
Place and Time: New York, August 13, 1920. This source was created in New York the birth place of the Harlem Renaissance. The 1920s was the time of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age.
Prior Knowledge: Blacks were segregated from whites at this time. They were treated unfair. Life as an African American was very difficult. Marcus Garvey started the UNIA for a chance at racial equality.
Audience: White people are the audience. They are trying to get them to listen. If the source was given to a different audience then there would be no point to it.
Reason: The reason of this source is so that things can change in society. They want their rights like the whites get with ease.
The Main Idea: The author's main point is a that the African Americans are being treated unfairly and they want their rights.
Summarize: The African American race should get their rights just like any other person
Thinking Like a Historian
Change and Continuity
Similarities of the 1920s and modern day:
Differences:
Similarities of the 1920s and modern day:
- There is still racism to this day.
- Technology is always advancing.
- The Great Depression was the downfall of the Harlem Renaissance. Our country is experiencing economic issues right now as well.
- Entertainment is a huge aspect of both of these time periods.
Differences:
- It is illegal to discriminate against a race.
- Entertainment industries try to encourage equality.
- Radio is censored.