The New Negro term included “violent resistance to oppression and the conservative anti-protest orientation of Booker T. Washington.” (Ferguson, 3) Writers had a big influence on the community throughout newspapers, magazines, etc; and most writers believe d that the New Negro should exemplify creativity, independence, strength, power, equality, and improvement. Creativity was more so a huge part of the Harlem Renaissance all together but the New Negro was all a part of that. Being creative and artistic became more common in the African American community, and was more widely accepted. Black people were not as “shy” or “scared” to show their talent and artistic self expression. Alain Locke said in his foreword to the New Negro (1925) America seeking a new spiritual expansion and artistic maturity, trying to find an American literature, a natural art, and natural music implies a Negro-American culture seeking the same satisfactions and objectives.
I am the 1920s, Hear Me Roar Post- World War II left the American way of life in chaos and distress. African-Americans gained power and strength in the Harlem Renaissance, women experienced radical changes in their position in society, and the people and their interpretation of religion both became more modern. The Great Migration led to the community of Harlem being a predominantly African-American one. The so-called Harlem Renaissance revamped the African-American culture. African-American literature, music, and art flourished inside Harlem, and these works were used to disprove the racial stereotypes associated with African-Americans (Doc E).
Harlem Renaissance: Outburst of Creativity The Harlem Renaissance was an artistic movement in American history wherein the uniqueness and creativity of African American culture was celebrated. Situated in the black community in uptown New York, the Harlem Renaissance developed a body of artistic talent which had never been seen in America (Ferguson, 24). Instead of wallowing in self-pity, African Americans ignited an explosion of culturist pride. They asserted themselves by embracing their racial identity, appreciating their heritage. Harlem became home to black people, many of whom had dreams and aspirations of expressing their individual artistic talents.
How significant was the role of individuals in improving the position of African Americans in society from 1877-1945? To a large extent the role of individuals was significant in improving the position of African Americans in society from 1877-1945. However it has been argued that the organisations and increasing support from the federal government is the reason behind the real change. Although it would have appeared that way, the real change lay behind the individuals, such as A. Phillip Randolph, Du Bois and Marcus Garvey, who established groups to go forth and question the current status quo. Similarly to the first all-black trade community in which Randolph established, due to the fact they knew their voices would not be heard.
Its artistic and unique styles assisted with breaking down racial barriers by proving a voice that resonated throughout America and the world. As African-Americans transitioned to more urban areas and their social and economic status began to change, so did their musical progression. Many different “negro sounds” emerged around the same time of Rhythm and Blues, but of all those genres it had and still has one of the most profound sounds in the music industry. Sure, Rhythm and Blues originated from genre styles such as gospel, jazz and blues, but what made it so refreshing was that it combined all of those styles and made a brand new sound to give back to the people. This new style of music consisted of constant rhythms (as stated in the name of the genre) and different instruments such as; saxophones, drums, bass guitars, and the human voice, simultaneously playing together to generate a sound that focused on the failures and triumphs of African-American culture as a whole.
Even thought there was not much more opportunity in the North, at least there was racial tolerance, something the African Americans of the South were craving. When the Harlem Renaissance started, many prominent figures emerged from the myriad of writers, thinkers, artists, and musicians of the time. W.E.B Du Bois was an African American thinker and sociologist, who was very prominent in the Harlem Renaissance. He was at the forefront of the civil rights movement during this time and helped create the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (“W.E.B Du Bois”). Another famous figure of the Harlem Renaissance was Langston Hughes.
The rise of African Americans through empowerment in society, as experienced by everyone in the form of the presidency of Barack Obama, is considered as an important development in American society. Taking ground on the past slavery and discrimination situations of African Americans,
Many talented and educated blacks couldn’t excel in the South it denied them the right to display their skills and talent. In the “The South”, Langston Hughes writes, “And I, who am black,/Would give her many gifts/But she turns her back upon me./So now I seek the North…” They had finally reached a place where they didn’t have to hide their talents and skills; Harlem served as a receiving station of the Great Migration. Harlem was a receiver and giver of talented black musicians, poets, writers, educators and innovators. There were many reasons why Blacks migrated to the North such as social conditions, lack of opportunities, and political injustice to
Characterizing the Harlem Renaissance was an overt racial pride that came to be represented in the idea of the New Negro, who through intellect and production of literature, art, and music could challenge the pervading racism and stereotypes to promote progressive or socialist politics, and racial and social integration. The Harlem Renaissance was one of primarily African-American involvement. It rested on a support system of black patrons, black-owned businesses and publications. This is the positive effect of Hughes’ poem, the effect of not deferring your dreams and following through with them to become successful. The theme of the poem simply means that to postpone one's deepest dreams, goals and desires can lead to destruction of one’s self, “Or does it explode?” (line 11).
The NAACP could be argued to be the driving force behind the civil rights movement during this time due to their commitment to changing African American status. Therefore, perhaps, the NAACP could be credited with the most responsibility for the success of the civil rights campaigns because they undoubtedly impacted black lives in de jure terms through the Supreme Court and attempted to improve black lives in de facto terms too. Although there was still a great deal to improve, the NAACP began changing attitudes of white Americans towards African Americans and laid the foundations for the ever more successful non-violent protests that would follow in the 1960’s. The impact of the Second World War and the cold