The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance 1917-1935 American Lit 2 – Mr. Plinsky

Sattelite view of New York Harlem is in north Manhattan  (Manhattan Island street map) • Five Burroughs of New York • Manhattan (Blue • Brooklyn (Yellow) • Queens (Orange) • Bronx (Red) • Staten Island (Purple)

The Harlem Renaissance • After the Civil War, there was a brief period of euphoria and cooperation between blacks and whites. • This did not last long, and spawned very few African-American writers, artists and actors. Image from http://americanhistory.si.edu/brown/history/1-segregated/detail/1st-blacks-of-congress.html

The Harlem Renaissance • WWI created economic prosperity for African-Americans in Northern states. • Labor shortage led to increased wages and employment • Up to 10% of the national African American population moved north. • From 1890 to 1930 New York City grew 10x in black population (30,000 to 300,000) Image fom http://americanhistory.si.edu/sweatshops/history/2t126.htm

The Harlem Renaissance • Over a dozen major authors appear in a 20 year time span. • In addition, the era produced African-American artists, musicians and scholars. • W.E.B. DuBois wrote that “until the art of the black folk compels recognition, they will not be treated as human.” • Artistic blossoming was also accompanied by the pursuit of increased rights for African Americans. • Birth of NAACP and National Urban League (NUL) W.E.B. Du Bois Image from http://www.msu.edu/~jtminor/hbcuproject.html

The Harlem Renaissance • Spread information about African American culture. • Was entirely unexpected by mainstream America. • Because of this, the period was also marked by 2 dozen or more racial riots nationwide, including Tulsa, OK and Omaha, NE. Image from http://www.tulsareparations.org/TulsaRiot.htm Image from http://www.assumption.edu/users/McClymer/his394/tulsaraceriot/default.html

The Harlem Renaissance • 1917 Ridgely Torrence and Emily Hapgood presented three all-black plays at the Provincetown Playhouse in New York City. • This was unheard of – all parts were dignified; the plays were dramatic, not burlesque. • This is considered the opening of the Harlem Renaissance. Ridgely Torrence

The Harlem Renaissance • Harlem Rennaissance breaks down into 3 phases: • 1917-1923 dominated by white authors who were deeply interested in African-American culture. • 1924-1926 Transition: interracial collaboration between African-American and white artists. • 1926-1935 Dominated by African-American artists coming into their own right. • Ended with the Harlem Riot, March 1935.

Harlem – the Neighborhood • Originally lots of empty housing due to overdevelopment – cheap, plentiful, good quality. • Became a predominantly African-American neighborhood with population migration into NYC. Images from http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/ron/american_lit2/Images/harlem.htm

Harlem – the Neighborhood • Population: • 1890 – 33,888 • 1930 – 327,706 • Quality of housing decreased as units were subdivided • Disease spread due to overcrowding and bad sanitation. Image from http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/ron/american_lit2/Images/harlem.htm Image from http://www.midtownmedia.com/ndc/Subway.html

Harlem – the Neighborhood • Vibrant, full of life, liberated, but not a pleasant place to live. • Most of the notable scholars and artists of the time lived there. Image from http://www.albany.edu/updates/1998/2-11/frontpage.html Image from http://brianabbott.net/blog/2005/07/16/the-tour-guide/

The Harlem Renaissance