Background: Harlem Renaissance

Taking place in the 1920’s and 1930’s, the Harlem Renaissance was a great literary and artistic movement that was connected to the New Negro movement. Although the Harlem Renaissance was widespread, Harlem was the capital of the movement. This era was seen as a time consisting of celebration, optimism, laughter, expression, and passion. Through their work, artists, musicians, and writers hoped to prevent racial prejudice, create plans for the future, and stress the need for change. Even with this movement ending as the struggles leading up the the Great Depression increased, many artists, musicians, and writers continued to work to express their beliefs and ideas that became famous in Harlem. It is now said that some of the best African American authors and artists came out of this era.