Download The Harlem Renaissance was a social, artistic, and philosophical

What is The Harlem Renaissance?
• The Harlem Renaissance was a social, artistic,
and philosophical movement that took place
during the 1920’s until around the 1940’s.
• African Americans were taken seriously for the
first time as artists, musicians, authors, and
contributors to culture.
Why it Happened….
• African Americans migrate north to escape
discrimination and oppression in the South.
• They are also seeking better employment and
other social opportunities.
• In 30 years’ time 2 million African Americans
decide to move North.
• They begin to explore new artistic expression.
• They gather in a community called Harlem in New
York City.
Those who contribute to the Harlem
Renaissance include:
The writers of the H. Renaissance include:
• Zora Neale Hurston
• Langston Hughes
• Claude McKay
• Jean Toomer
• Eugene O’Neil
• Countee Cullen
The Players continued…
Musicians of the Renaissance Include:
• Louis Armstrong
• Josephine Baker
• Dizzy Gillespie
Some Other Musicians
• Jelly Roll Morton
• Duke Ellington
• Charlie “The Bird” Parker
• Bessie Smith
• Billie Holiday
The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance
• James Van Der Zee (Photographer):
– Evening Attire 
• Aaron Douglas (Painter):
– The Crucifixion and
Into Bondage
Why it matters….
• African Americans were staking their claim in
America.
• Not only were artists and writers representing the
African American population well, but now political
leaders among them emerged.
• During this time, African Americans founded:
– The NAACP, The Crisis Magazine, The Harmon
Foundation (sponsor of arts), and big band and jazz
clubs all over New York.
THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE TIMES
The Problems they Faced:
• Lynching of you or your loved ones in public (yes, even
in the North).
• Denial of your rights to vote, assemble, go to church, or
speak up for yourself.
• Random threats to your life, your property, your spouse
or your children.
• Lack of formal education, drug abuse problems, and
exploitation of these issues.
• No real system of justice in place to protect your rights
or prevent exploitation.
QUESTIONS:
• What is the PROPER and MOST EFFECTIVE way
to gain respect from a dominant society that
oppresses you?
• Can you imagine our society ever becoming
oppressive to you based on your belief
systems, your race, or decisions you’ve made?