The Harlem Renaissance - An Explosion of Art - US History - Extra History

Summary

The video explores the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural explosion spurred by the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to northern cities like New York. Harlem became a hub for Black artists, intellectuals, and musicians, reshaping African American identity through art, literature, theater, and music. Prominent figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes contributed to this movement, which challenged stereotypes and celebrated Black life. Despite the movement’s eventual decline during the Great Depression, its impact on American culture remains profound and inspirational.

Takeaways

• 🌆 The Great Migration saw African Americans moving from the South to northern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and especially Harlem, New York, seeking better opportunities.
• 🎨 The Harlem Renaissance, originally known as the New Negro Movement, became a catalyst for a cultural explosion, introducing new forms of art, music, literature, and intellectual discourse.
• 🎷 Jazz, blues, and big band music redefined American music, with artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bessie Smith becoming icons of the era.
• 📚 Civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois played a crucial role by using the NAACP's magazine, *The Crisis*, to promote Black artists and writers, thereby encouraging more complex representations of African American life.
• 🖌️ The Harmon Foundation, established by a wealthy white real estate developer, provided a platform and awards for Black artists, despite some controversies regarding the intentions behind the support.
• 🎭 Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes were key literary figures who gained recognition through the movement, with their works significantly influencing Black literature.
• 🎬 Oscar Micheaux, a successful Black director, created films with dignified Black characters, offering a counter-narrative to racist portrayals in mainstream cinema, such as in *The Birth of a Nation*.
• 🍸 Harlem's vibrant nightlife attracted both Black and white audiences, creating spaces for social interaction that defied racial segregation norms of the time.
• 🤔 While the Renaissance was celebrated for debunking stereotypes and showcasing Black excellence, some critics argue that it was used by elites as a propaganda tool rather than genuinely supporting Black artists’ economic success.
• 📉 The Harlem Renaissance’s momentum waned with the onset of the Great Depression, but its impact on art, culture, and racial identity continues to inspire new generations of artists today.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities like Harlem, New York?

The primary reason for the Great Migration was the degradation, discrimination, and agricultural servitude experienced by African Americans in the American South. They sought better opportunities in northern states.

What impact did African American migration have on the cultural landscape of Harlem?

The migration brought a cultural explosion to Harlem, known as the Harlem Renaissance, which transformed the area from a white-dominated part of New York to a hub of African American art, music, literature, and intellectual thought.

Who was W.E.B. Du Bois and what role did he play in the Harlem Renaissance?

W.E.B. Du Bois was a scholar, civil rights activist, and editor of the NAACP's magazine, *The Crisis*. He was a guiding force in the Harlem Renaissance, using his platform to promote black art, literature, and theater as a way to reshape African American identity and challenge stereotypes.

What was the purpose of the Crisis Guild of Writers and Artists (Kriegwa) founded by Du Bois?

Kriegwa was founded to support black playwrights and artists in telling more authentic stories about African American life, broadening the types of narratives represented on stage, and providing a platform for black-controlled storytelling.

What were the views of Du Bois and Alain Locke on the purpose of African American art?

Du Bois and Alain Locke believed African American art should serve as a means to uplift the race and reflect African cultural influences. They saw it as a tool to redefine black identity and create a distinct artistic expression separate from European styles.

Who were some of the prominent artists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance, and how did they contribute to the movement?

Prominent figures included writers like Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes, who used literature to reflect African American experiences, and filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux, who produced films that depicted black life with dignity and agency, countering racist stereotypes in mainstream cinema.

What role did patrons play in the Harlem Renaissance?

Patrons, including wealthy whites like William Elmer Harmon, provided financial support and platforms for black artists, musicians, and performers. Their backing helped artists showcase their work through exhibits, national tours, and awards like the Harmon Award.

Why was there controversy over the style and goals of black artistry during the Harlem Renaissance?

There was debate over whether black art should adhere to European styles or embrace African influences. Artists like William Edward Scott were criticized by some, like Locke, for being too conservative and European in form, while others believed art should distinctly reflect black cultural heritage.

How did Oscar Micheaux's films challenge mainstream depictions of African Americans?

Oscar Micheaux’s films portrayed African Americans with dignity, poise, and agency, in contrast to the racist portrayals in mainstream films like *The Birth of a Nation*. His films tackled complex issues like passing for white and lynching, providing a counternarrative to white-dominated cinema.

What criticisms do some historians have of the Harlem Renaissance, and what is their counterpoint?

Some historians criticize the Harlem Renaissance as being manufactured by black elites like Du Bois and Locke to use African American art as propaganda. They also note that many black artists struggled financially despite their critical acclaim. However, the movement did help to debunk stereotypes and change perceptions of African Americans.