Map of Harlem During the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance, lasting from around 1925 to 1935, marked a new beginning for African Americans in the United States. Through culture, arts, music, dance, and most importantly, freedom, they came together to form a culture that spread throughout our country.

Poetry by Langston Hughes - The Weary Blues

Langston Hughes

James Langston Hughes is known as a famous African American writer and poet. He was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, yet lived with his grandmother in Lawrence, Kansas when growing up. Langston Hughes began writing as a child, and was first recognized for his talent in high school. He published work in his school’s newspaper and with time, he and his writings matured. Langston Hughes attended the University of Columbia in the fall of 1921. Only staying in school for a year, Langston Hughes fell in love with Harlem and the culture, arts and opportunities it offered. He began writing more than ever because of the inspirations he got from the people of Harlem. His works were published in many magazines, including the Crisis and Opportunity magazines. Money was a major concern for Langston Hughes. He struggled to live a comfortable life living off the salary of a writer. He passed away on May 22, 1967, leaving an impact on the culture of African Americans for years to come. 

http://www.kansasheritage.org/crossingboundaries/page6e1.html

“It isn't where you came from, its where you're going that counts.”- E.F

“If I am going to be a poet at all, I am going to be POET and not NEGRO POET.”- C.Cullen

Countee Cullen’s possibilities for life were seen at an early age. If people did not recognize his talent in reading his works themselves, they were forced to acknowledge it by the many awards he received. He was said to write as a white person does, but I think color lines can’t be crossed when it comes to writing because they don’t exist. As he progressed in age he progressed in success. He stood in the middle of the whorlwind that would be referred to as the Harlem Renaissance, writing for popular magazines such as Crisis and once again, winning awards for many of his pieces. A power couple was created when he and W.E.B Du Bois' daughter were married, a social event that was talked about for months, but ended quickly. 

http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/a_f/cullen/life.htm

Never Underestimate a Woman

Beautiful, Black and accomplished, Jessie Fauset is a name that you should all know and if you don't, well shame on you! Listen here and learn a thing or two. This woman was the only, yes i said it , the only African American student to graduate from Philadelphia High school in 1900 and she did it with honors. This woman started out strong. After graduating from Cornell and being turned down by jobs because of  her race, she managed to stay strong and score a D.C. job teaching French in high school.  This ended after fourteen years when she moved on to an editing position for Crisis magazine, which was offered by W.E.B Du Bois himself. There she not only discovered some of the most affluential writers of our day, but also became one by contributing her own works to the magazine.  In the early 20's she was the editor of the Brownie's Book, an NAACP children's magazine. Don't be fooled by the press people, W.E.B Du Bois was not responsible for half of what he is said to have done with Brownie's Book, this great woman was unfortunately covered by his shadow. She's writing novels as we speak and I am sure will be writing until age disables her phalanges.


http://www.biography.com/articles/Jessie-Redmon-Fauset-9292341
http://www.afropoets.net/jessiefauset.html

The Harlem Renaissance and Jazz

It was the start of “The Roaring 20‘s” and America was ready for a change. African Americans, known for their jazz music, began coming together at this time to express their newly found freedom through their passion for music. It was a huge hit, not only in Harlem, but nation wide as well. They were able to perform at nightclubs, ballrooms, and theaters to show their love for music and their many talents. These cool blue, jazz bands were mostly made up of brass instruments. They instantly became a popular entertainment for all races, including whites. This was their chance to prove to the rest of the country that they are equal and bring just as much to America as any other race. 

Duke Ellington - It don't mean a thing (1943)

How It All Began

Harlem, New York, is known as the birth of the Harlem Renaissance. Between the streets of 135th and Fifth Ave, a new race was born. Many historians believe that it began in the year 1920 and lasted into the 1930’s. This was the time of the stock market crash which lead into the famous Great Depression. As the white middle to upper middle class moved out into the suburbs, African Americans were moving up north during the Great Migration to cities like New York. Harlem neighborhoods became filled with African American families yearning for a new beginning. They brought with them culture, music, art, religion, literature and a dream to start a new, and better life. The support system they created in Harlem, and other communities, was the holding blocks keeping them together. African Americans for the first time in America were able to search for their true identities as a free citizen.

http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/harlem-renaissance.jsp