Political and Social Happenings of the Harlem Renaissance
There were three pivotal figures from the political scene of the Harlem Renaissance, pictured above, from left to right: W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington, and Marcus Garvey. Each of these men contributed something to the Harlem Renaissance;
- W.E.B. DuBois was a politician and philosopher that fought and demanded for integration of blacks into everyday society. He was considered by his contemporaries such as Garvey to have been "too soft" to actually bring about change. DuBois was a part of the founding of the NAACP, one of the most momentous creations then.
- Booker T. Washington, a former slave, was able to gain support of his white contemporaries but at the same time regarded as too submissive to the white man by other blacks. Washington is considered to be in the middle of the spectrum of Harlem Renaissance's leaders.
- Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born leader of the movement, very similar in manner to Malcolm X. As Malcolm X led a more aggressive movement during the civil rights era counter to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Garvey led a movement counter to the "leaders" at the other end of the spectrum like DuBois. Garvey called for blacks to separate rather than integrate and he was a main proponent of the "black migration back to Africa". Garvey also founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association.
In terms of social changes in this time, Harlem became the so-called "black capital" of the United States. Music circuits and clubs became great centers of gathering for black Harlemites. Even though the cities of the industrial north were better than the south for blacks, an institution much like the caste system existed based on race with blacks at the bottom.
From its legal beginning to end, Jim Crow laws caused great obstacles and setbacks around every corner. During this movement, many fought against the laws and sought an end to them. Although the laws weren't dissolved until 1964, Washington made great way in protesting them and talking about how harsh they were.
Coming out of slavery, blacks had a dire need to redefine black personality and set standards for family units, education, social involvement, artistic ability and importance in society. Through many simultaneous movements and growths, this came to fruition.
From its legal beginning to end, Jim Crow laws caused great obstacles and setbacks around every corner. During this movement, many fought against the laws and sought an end to them. Although the laws weren't dissolved until 1964, Washington made great way in protesting them and talking about how harsh they were.
Coming out of slavery, blacks had a dire need to redefine black personality and set standards for family units, education, social involvement, artistic ability and importance in society. Through many simultaneous movements and growths, this came to fruition.
- Talented musicians like Duke Ellington proved musical aptitude and shattered racial barriers throughout the New York music scene, gaining the respect of his multiracial peers.
- Courageous political leaders spoke out for their people and were heard, whether appreciated or not, around the world.
- Outspoken African-Americans such as James Weldon Johnson broke barriers and set precedents as the first African-American professor at NYU and a leader of the NAACP.
- Brilliant writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes set forth literature of a distinct style that spoke to African-Americans.
Interactive web of social movements of the Harlem Renaissance:
http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/Politics/Social_movement_birth.htm
Interactive timeline:
http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/Politics/timeline.htm
http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/Politics/Social_movement_birth.htm
Interactive timeline:
http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/Politics/timeline.htm
