Harlem+Renaissance

Harlem Renaissance - 1920s Created by Erika Munshi

The Harlem Renaissance was a time for African American culture to flourish in Northern Cities. After the Civil War, many African Americans were out of jobs and came to the North looking for a place to live. This was called the Great Migration. As more African Americans moved in looking for city work, more African American culture flourished. Years later, African American writers, artists, and musicians were finding a balance in between the African culture they left behind and the and American culture they live in now.

Someone who helped African Americans find their voice was Marcus Garvey. His inspirational speeches moved many people. He believed that African Americans should take pride in their heritage and mix it in with they culture they live in now.

The burst of musical inspiration created during the Harlem Renaissance was known as the Jazz Era. P eople say the Jazz Age was one of the many names used to describe the prosperity after World War I . The stress and hardships of the war only led to a bigger celebration. In a way, it is like the Jazz Era played the counterpart to the war.

The Jazz Age was also a time for a huge increase in consumerism. The increasing popularity of the automobile was unbelievable. It was a product that stimulated the U.S. economy more than any other industry. In the beginning of the 20th century, there were only 8,000 automobiles registered in the United States. By 1920, there were 8 million, and by the end of the decade, 23 million automobiles registered. Cars became more popular than telephones, and in farmhouses, more popular than running water! The automobile industry was a huge lead in the direction of technology. Henry Ford’s dream changed the lifestyle of America forever.

With the new technology and inventions, Americans were able to enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle than ever before. New forms of entertainment soon emerged as well. Dancing became one of the most popular activities to do. Everyone would go to clubs and parties to dance to the new, upbeat, jazz tunes. When I say everyone, I mean everyone. People of all kinds came to enjoy and celebrate together. It became a time for people to come together as well. African American writers used their work to eliminate the stereotypes that surrounded them. Segregation began to deteriorate.

Overall, the Harlem Renaissance was a huge celebration for people of all kinds. It brought together America and created a more luxurious lifestyle for us to have.

Here is a video showing artwork and music of the Harlem Renaissance. media type="youtube" key="9idqeiACqn4" height="385" width="480"