Dylan Castellanos 5/14/22

CCNY F.C Researched Explanatory Final The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal era in African American history and U.S history. It was a cultural revival of dance, art, music and fashion. The Harlem Renaissance took place in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. It started in 1918 and ended somewhere in the 1930’s. The Harlem Renaissance was fueled by the great migration, which was when white residents of Harlem fought to keep Blacks out of their neighborhood. Many Blacks were migrating from the South to the North which was also known as the Great Migration. Many known names were involved in the Harlem Renaissance. For example Langston Hughes was one of the most known people during this movement. He published different types of poems that many African American related to. Duke Ellington was one of the people involved too, he was a major figure in the history of jazz. He performed and composed many songs during the Harlem Renaissance that many Blacks loved and american too.

The Harlem Renaissance also brought many artists and painters together. There were many different paintings and art pieces that were used to convey messages that reflected the problems that Blacks have faced throughout the years and social problems that were happening in that era. The paintings were also used to show the beauty of Black culture. One of the most known/famous painters was Arron Douglass who was also a driving force in the Harlem Renaissance. One of Arron Douglass’s famous pieces was Aspiration. He also did other paintings that were for the Hall of Negro Life in Dallas, Texas. The work that he did touched on many different themes that characterized expressions of the Harlem Renaissance, it showed African American heritage and cultural identity. There were many other painters that had made a huge impact on the Harlem Renaissance. Many other artists included social themes into the artwork.

Langston Hughes was also one of the biggest names involved in the Harlem Renaissance. He was a firm believer of black pride. “Langston Hughes wasn’t only famous for his record breaking poems he also drew on international experiences, found kindred spirits amongst his fellow artists, took a stand for the possibilities of Black art and influenced how the Harlem Renaissance would be remembered”. Langston went on to write a poem about how Black people talk and the different types of jazz and blues that were being played during the Harlem Renaissance. This poem was called “The Weary Blues”. Langston released poems during the Harlem Renaissance that many other Black people related to and agreed on. One of Langston’s most famous pieces was called “ Let America Be America Again”. This poem talked about the mistreatment of Black people during that time. “Let America be America again.Let it be the dream it used to be. Let it be the pioneer on the plain Seeking a home where he himself is free. (America never was America to me.) Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—Let it be that great strong land of love Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme That any man be crushed by one above”. 

Even though many of the different types of art and poems were meant to be a driving force, many of them got a lot of criticism from White people due to racism. Many black people went against other black people’s work as well. Some didn’t agree on some of the stuff that was said during this time. Although some didn’t agree, they all respected each other’s work and didn’t put no one down. Langston’s work was the most criticized by White people. White people thought that Langston was making them look bad by talking about how bad Blacks were getting treated. Many critics called Langston’s poems “cheap” and “low rate”. Those critics did not stop Langston and the many other poets and artists. They continued to have an impact and they kept on delivering messages and portrayed social themes. Langston’s work is still talked about today in many schools, and his impact on the Harlem Renaissance has not been forgotten. He wrote poems that touched the souls of many people around the world. After 70 years of his passing many people still break down his and analyze it.

To sum all of this up, the Harlem Renaissance was an important era in U.S history. “It helped African American writers and artists gain more control over the representation of Black culture and experience, and it provided them a place in Western high culture”. The art, language and poems in the Harlem Renaissance portrayed many social themes of the mistreatment of Black people and the many struggles that they had to go through. Langston Hughes was one of the most iconic driving forces of the Harlem Renaissance, and he has influenced many with his work. Arron Douglass was also a main driving force, he created many art pieces that people loved and could relate to. Many other artists and poets created an image for people during this time.

Sources used- https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/harlem-renaissancehttps://www.britannica.com/event/Harlem-Renaissance-American-literature-and-art