The Harlem Renaissance

Jessica Gillespie

6th Period

What is the Harlem Renaissance?

This was the explosion of

African American music, art, and literature in the

famous New York City.

When did this happen?

This was significant because it took place a little after African Americans were granted their freedoms from slavery. It look place in the 20’s, mainly around 1918-1930.

Popular music

Jazz was the hit for the African Americans. People loved it so much they played it in the basements of their houses and even in restaurants.

Louis Armstrong

A well known musician and composer who became really popular. He was the most famous Jazz performer.

The Tin Pan Alley

This was a part of the Harlem where all the music was produced. It got its name from people saying it sounded like tin pans banging together as you walk down this street.

Whites and Colored

Different types of races did not mix in this century, but music turned it all around. It didn’t matter if you what type of skin you had, people would line up to hear this music.

The cotton Club

This was a integrated company that had the best shows, highest prices, and it was one of the most popular music clubs around.

Religion

People were starting to discover new things in this time. Therefore people started to think of different philosophies and even started to follow Christianity.

Alain Locke

He was one of the famous philosophers of this time who believed that everyone should have the opportunity for different styles and values.

W.E.F Dubois

He was a philosopher who believed that everyone was created to be free, therefore he supported the Harlem Renaissance strongly.

Politics

The president during this time was Woodrow Wilson. He was not truly active in the Harlem. He was busy recovering the United States from a depression of over production and a record breaking unemployed rate after the war.

NUL

It was the leading Civil Rights and social service group that published the works of African Americans in a magazine called the “Opportunity”.

Literary

Many African American writers were starting to bloom. One famous novelist was known as Zora Hurston. She wrote, Their eyes were watching god.

The New Negro

This was a famous anthology written by Alain Locke. It was written about the Harlem and it expressed what it meant to be an African American in Locke’s eyes.

Bad news

He was one of the most famous poets. The bad thing was, the African Americans did not really like his work. They complained about how he was a disgrace to the Black race and he just brought a disgusting view on the lifestyle.

Whites had to disagree, they loved his work!

Art

During the Harlem, people started making art works of blacks as sensitive individuals, instead of comic stereotype.

Aaron Douglas

Used black men and women as the central symbolic figures of his art work.

More than just the City

African American artist became so famous from their work, some began to travel to different Countries to show it off.

“Black is beautiful”

Did you know this saying came from two sculptors named Richmond Barthe and Meta Warrick Fuller.. Bet you didn’t know that!

Fun Fact

The Harlem Renaissance were the ones who started slang words.

• All wet=Incorrect

• Bank’s closed=No kissing or making out

• Sheba=Ones Girlfriend

• Splifficated=Drunk

• Water-proof=A face that doesn’t need makeup

• Nifty=Great

Here are some words

NOW THAT’S ALL FOLKS !