Essay on Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was also known as the New Negro Movement since it involved change and transformation of the blacks as compared to their state in the past years. The period saw the rise in jazz music something that gave African Americans a new identity and a sense of pride. Harlem became a predominantly black neighborhood in the early stages of the 20th century. Initially, Harlem was meant to be occupied by upper-class white people, but due to underdevelopment, they were forced to leave the area. As a result, landlords were left with vacant spaces that needed to be occupied urgently. The event brought together literary critics, writers, and intellectuals some of whom were white. Rather than just honoring Jessie Fauset the event ended up honoring all the black writers due to the intervention of Alain Locke who was presiding over the function.

This event might have been simple, but it turned out to be a transformative function attracting over one hundred guests. African Americans were well represented by different authors and poets such as Du Bois, Fauset and Weldon Johnson. During this event, young writers were encouraged to create works that are in line with the new literary age. This play reinstated African Americans back on the Broadway theaters. The production also played a critical role in transforming the energized music and the Harlem nightlife. It also ensured that white people had a taste of black music and theaters. As a result, white people were now captivated by African American arts which were a huge contribution to the Renaissance. Shuffle also aided in the introduction of Jazz in Broadway. He believed that African Americans could have achieved equality through an education system that teaches and promotes African heritage rather than focusing on the ideologies of white people.

The Renaissance was not a school, but most of the writers such as Du Bois shared common values and ideas which included approaching issues from an African American perspective. This meant that whatever they engaged in was for the wellbeing of black people. The cotton club is another factor that played a significant role in the Harlem Renaissance. Due to the revolutionary new music there emerged a vibrant nightlife in Harlem. People especially whites now had a better understanding of African Americans compared to their perceptions before the Renaissance. This is because black culture and arts appealed to all types of people. Some of the arts created during the Renaissance have been used to define black people throughout the years. The Renaissance was an important event as it gave black people the chance to regain their pride through a new spirit of self-determination.

Due to the many years of slavery, the pride of black people had been degraded, but through the Renaissance, they were able to change the narrative by proving to the world what they can offer. The focus on African history was the reason Pan-Africanism came to life leading to a great change in American politics. The Renaissance was also critical in changing the culture of America as a nation. This change included developing an American culture that was inclusive of all Americans irrespective of their race. This presented African Americans as significant people in the economic, social and political issues of the country. Jazz music changed the nature of American culture by creating a different musical blend that was unique and special (Hillstrom, 2008). This institution was directed at encouraging black people that they could sustain themselves economically (Singh, 2010).

Garvey is also credited for establishing the “back to Africa movement” which was meant to connect black people with their African roots. This was crucial in redefining and establishing a credible African American identity. Based on all the movements he started, Garvey was able to motivate future African Americans to have a sense of racial pride. The Renaissance in Harlem was critical in African Americans identity since any other cultural explosion in other cities is linked or motivated by it. It was a hindrance to her development as an artist, but it positioned her as a special woman in African American culture. She is among the women who fought to have works of black women in museums and galleries. Some of the arts she prepared capture important events in the African American society such as the murder of Martin Luther King.

Therefore, courtesy of the renaissance black women were able to fight for their rights. References Primary Sources Fauset, J. L. Black drama and the Harlem Renaissance.  Theatre Journal, 37(4), 426-439. Secondary Sources Baker Jr, H. A. Hecht, M. L. Hecht, M. L. Jackson, R. Penn State Press. Wall, C. A.  Women of the Harlem renaissance. Indiana University Press.