The Harlem Renaissance An Intellectual Movement

As inferred by William Harmon, â€Å"the Harlem Renaissance was the first intellectual and artistic movement that brought African America to the attention of the entire nation†, as stated verbatim in A Handbook to Literature (Harmon 227). Accordingly, the Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual movement that was commenced to enrich men and women of color through expressive mediums such as in literature, art (both visually and dramatically), music, and knowledge of thyself; it was ultimately a reawakening for America and American life, notwithstanding, a person’s racial ethnicity, economic status, educational background, social statuses or any other dependent-factor that may weaken the parameters of our dreams and secrete our potential from our own eyes. In addition, it was a self-conscious movement, in which, brought forth and shed light on distinguished African American men and women who excelled in various fields of human endeavor in the educational, economic, and soci al fabric of America; and who also surpassed numerous racial boundaries to ameliorate the quality of life within America—not only for people of color, as many deplore the tendency to imply, but ultimately for the well-being of the general public. Although it is true that this social developmental movement had copious frontrunners who all puzzled in significant pieces for the advancement of this movement, one contributor, in particular, by the name of James Mercer Langston Hughes, utilized his emotional andShow MoreRelatedThe Harlem Renaissance : An African American Intellectual And Artistic Movement1329 Words   |  6 PagesThe Harlem Renaissance was an African-American intellectual and artistic movement centered in New York City in the late 1920’s and 1930’s (Hutchinson). It was part of the larger New Negro Movement, which was made possible by the Great Migration – a large exodus of about six million blacks out of the Southeastern United States to the M idwest, Northeast, and West that lasted from about 1915 to 1970 (Gross). The influence of the Harlem Renaissance was widespread and long-lasting, in part, becauseRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance : A Literary, Artistic, Cultural And Intellectual Movement1485 Words   |  6 PagesTatiana Moore Mrs. Donald English III 26 March 2014 The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance was a literary, artistic, cultural and intellectual movement. The word renaissance means rebirth or revival. African Americans during this time were being pressured by Jim Crow Laws in the South. These laws separated the races tremendously (Roses). African Americans appeared ignorant, poor, and servile. Hate groups and hate crimes alarmed families, and they collectively decided it was time to make aRead MoreHarlem Renaissance Essay1341 Words   |  6 Pagesduring the Renaissance was they had really short life there was no black people in it other than artists. Harlem Renaissance were first one to criticize black and white. They came to dominate Harlem Renaissance through creativity and culture. Madhubuti’s contention, Jeffery Stewart stated after major victories of the civil rights movement another intellectual and cultural rebellion called Black Power movement. Madhubuti’s, a black arts movement members relationship with Harlem Renaissance is o ne ofRead MoreEssay on The Harlem Renaissance and Its Societal Effects 1133 Words   |  5 PagesWhat Is the Harlem Renaissance, and What Effects Did It Have On Society? Harlem was like a great magnet for the Negro intellectual, pulling him from everywhere. Or perhaps the magnet was New York, but once in New York, he had to live in Harlem(Langston Hughes, The Big Sea). When one is describing a â€Å"fresh and brilliant portrait of African American art and culture in the 1920s (Rampersad, Arnold),† the Harlem Renaissance would be the most accurate assumption. The Harlem Renaissance proved to AmericaRead MoreEssay on The Harlem Renaissance1187 Words   |  5 PagesThe Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance refers to a prolific period of unique works of African-American expression from about the end of World War I to the beginning of the Great Depression. Although it is most commonly associated with the literary works produced during those years, the Harlem Renaissance was much more than a literary movement; similarly, it was not simply a reaction against and criticism of racism. The Harlem Renaissance inspired, cultivated, and, most importantly, legitimatedRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance Movement By Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, And Ralph Waldo Ellison931 Words   |  4 PagesKnown as one the most impactful movements on African American arts, the Harlem Renaissance Movement represented a period of artistic and intellectual change that initiated a new identity on black culture. Often called the â€Å"New Negro† Era, the Harlem Renaissance opened doors for African American to express themselves in the form of visual arts, musical elements, and even p erforming arts during the 1920s. Due to this movement, Harlem became the city that â€Å"gave African Americans a physical culturalRead MoreClaude Mckay s Harlem Dancer And Ended Around 1929 Essay1535 Words   |  7 PagesThe Harlem Renaissance began in 1918 with the publication of Claude McKay’s â€Å"Harlem Dancer† and ended around 1929. During this period, there was a wave of literary works by, and about, Blacks. The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great intellectual expression as well as introspection (Bodenner). There were several key moments and individuals that made this era of time historical. African American artists rejected imitating the ideals of white Americans and championed black artistic expression onRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance : African American Culture758 Words   |  4 PagesThe Harlem Renaissance: African American Culture The Harlem Renaissance was an era where African American culture flourished. African American music, art, theatre, literature, food, fashion, and creativity dominated in the 1920’s. It was a movement to redefine what being â€Å"black† meant to destroy the stereotypes of that society has affiliated with being a negro. At this time, African American artists used their talents to take advantage of this opportunity to make a better life for themselves, whileRead MoreExploring African American History : The Harlem Renaissance1521 Words   |  7 PagesTi’Anna Smith Period 1 AP World History 12-14-15 Exploring African American History: The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance originally known as the New Negro Movement was an important part of African American culture and history, which helped African Americans express themselves and celebrate their heritage. Between the years of 1890-1920 close to two million African Americans traveled from the rural southern states to the northern cities. They traveled to these northern cities in hopesRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance with Langston Hughes1676 Words   |  7 PagesHarlem Renaissance with Langston Hughes The Harlem Renaissance brought about uniqueness amongst African Americans; everything was new. The visual art, the jazz music, fashion and literature took a cultural spin. During this time writer Langston Hughes seemed to outshine the rest with amazing works. The Harlem Renaissance brought about many great changes. It was a time for expressing the African American culture. It is variously known as the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Literary Renaissance