African American CultureSection 3

The Harlem RenaissanceGreat Migration- moving from the rural South

to industrial cities in the NorthAfrican Americans sought to escape the

segregated society of the SouthHoped to find economic opportunitiesBuild better livesBlack populations rose in large northern

cities after WWINightclubs swelled as well with live, loud

music

Cont.New York City neighborhood of Harlem in

particularIt was the heart and soul of the African

American renaissanceAfrican Americans created artistic

development, racial pride, community, and a political organization

Became known as the Harlem Renaissance

The WritersClaude McKay is considered one of the first

important writers of the Harlem RenaissanceHe wrote poems about lynching and death Expressed a proud defiance and bitter

contempt of racism- 2 strong characteristics of the Harlem Renaissance

Langston Hughes was one of the most prolific and original writes of the time

Became the leading voice of the African American experience in the U.S.

Claude McKay

The LynchingHis Spirit in smoke ascended to high heaven.

His father, by the cruelest way of pain, Had bidden him to his bosom once again; The awful sin remained still unforgiven. All night a bright and solitary star (Perchance the one that ever guided him, Yet gave him up at last to Fate's wild whim) Hung pitifully o'er the swinging char. Day dawned, and soon the mixed crowds came to view The ghastly body swaying in the sun The women thronged to look, but never a one Showed sorrow in her eyes of steely blue; And little lads, lynchers that were to be, Danced round the dreadful thing in fiendish glee.

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-lynching/

Jazz, Blues, and TheaterJazz- a style of music influenced by Dixieland music

and ragtimeLouis Armstrong introduced jazz upon arriving in

Chicago from New OrleansHe became the first great cornet and trumpet soloist

in jazz musicRagtime was also a big hitDuke Ellington was a composer, pianist, and a band

leader who played in New York speakeasies and clubsCotton Club- one of the most famous Harlem

nightspots

Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington

Cont.Bessie Smith symbolized soulBlues- soulful style of music that evolved

from African American spirituals

Theater was also on the riseShuffle Along was the first musical written

and performed by African Americans on Broadway in 1921

African American PoliticsHarlem Renaissance helped to spark political

and economic aspirations of African Americans as well

WWI was credited for a change in attitude for many African Americans

W.E.B. Du Bois said it best…“We return. We return from fighting. We return

fighting. Make way for democracy! We saved it in France, and by the Great Jehovah, we will save it in the United States of America, or know the reason why.”

The Black Vote in the NorthGreat Migration had a significant impact on

the political power of African Americans in the North

As numbers grew in neighborhoods, they became powerful voting blocs that could sway the outcome of elections

Most African Americans voted Republican, party of Abraham Lincoln

1928 voters in Chicago voted in Oscar DePriest, became the first African American representative in Congress from a Northern state

DePriest

DePriest Achievements3 terms in CongressIntroduced new laws to provide pensions to

formerly enslaved African Americans over 75 years old

New law to declare Lincoln’s birthday a public holiday

New law to fine and imprison officials who allowed lynching of prisoners

The NAACP Battles LynchingRead this section

Black Nationalism and Marcus GarveyRead this sectionKnow Marcus Garvey

Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)