Download HARLEM RENAISSANCE NOTES

HARLEM RENAISSANCE NOTES (1920s–mid 1930s)
LANGUAGE ARTS 11E – MRS. RAGLOW
Runs parallel to Modernism
The Harlem Renaissance was an incredible outburst of art as Blacks migrated from the South to Northern
cities (especially NYC) following World War I.
Dominant ideas or new ideas or attitudes:
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Like “two-ness” (see below)
The rise of a larger Black middle class
The campaign for Civil Rights
New styles of or methods of expression
Like Jazz, or the development of distinct Black literature and journalistic outlets
The Harlem Renaissance:
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The rise of radical Black intellectuals, educational enlightenment, African-American identity, and
racial consciousness. (Due to access of things in the North)
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An artistic explosion in music (the creation of Jazz and the Blues), poetry, fiction, sermons,
journalism, theater, essay writing, and painting
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Also called The New Negro Movement
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Social revolt against racism and a celebration of African-American heritage
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The major themes of this movement concern alienation, marginality, pride, rage, and the
opposition to poverty, oppression, and fate.
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Themes also include the Notion of “two-ness”, a divided awareness of one’s identity as American
and Negro: “two souls, two thoughts, two warring ideals in one dark body.” -W.E.B. Dubois
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Superficial stereotypes revealed to be complex characters
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The Harlem Renaissance was ended by the Great Depression.
Major Players:
 Marcus Garvey
 Langston Hughes
 Ida B. Wells
 Countee Cullen
 Arna Bontemps
 Jean Toomer