Harlem Renaissance Flashcards
What was the Harlem Renaissance?
A cultural movement during the early 20th century marked by a flourishing of African American arts, literature, and intellectual thought, centered in Harlem, New York.
What broader cultural movement influenced the Harlem Renaissance?
The Modernist era, which encouraged experimentation in literature, music, and visual arts.
What historical event laid the foundation for the Harlem Renaissance?
The Great Migration, during which African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North in search of better opportunities.
How did Harlem become a cultural epicenter during the Harlem Renaissance?
Harlem attracted African American artists, writers, and thinkers, creating a community where Black culture and identity could be freely explored and expressed.
What role did music play in the Harlem Renaissance?
Jazz, blues, and gospel music became key forms of artistic expression, conveying the joys and struggles of Black life in America.
Who was Alain Locke and what was his vision for the Harlem Renaissance?
Alain Locke was a philosopher and critic who promoted the concept of the “New Negro,” encouraging African Americans to embrace their heritage and artistic traditions.
What did Alain Locke’s “New Negro” represent?
A confident, creative African American individual deeply engaged in shaping cultural and social identity, rejecting stereotypes imposed by white society.
How did Marcus Garvey’s Black Nationalism influence the Harlem Renaissance?
It advocated for racial pride, economic independence, and solidarity with the African Diaspora, inspiring many to assert a distinct Black identity.
What was Langston Hughes known for during the Harlem Renaissance?
Hughes was known for his “folk poetry” that drew on African American vernacular and the rhythms of the blues, capturing the resilience and humor of Black life.
How did Langston Hughes critique the Black middle class?
In his essay “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain,” he criticized the Black middle class’s desire to assimilate into white culture and called for embracing Black heritage.
Who was Sterling A. Brown and what themes did he explore in his poetry?
Sterling A. Brown was a poet who focused on the dialect and traditions of rural African Americans, highlighting themes of sharecropping, racism, and poverty.
What was the significance of using vernacular language in Sterling A. Brown’s poetry?
It reflected a deep respect for the lived experiences of everyday African Americans and challenged romanticized depictions of the South.
What role did Harlem play in the emergence of a new African American cultural identity?
Harlem provided a space for African Americans to freely express their cultural heritage and redefine their identity outside of the dominant white gaze.
What were some major artistic influences on Harlem Renaissance artists?
Modernist principles, which emphasized authentic, spontaneous, and emotional expression, and a fascination with non-Western art forms.
What was the impact of Modernism on African American writers during the Harlem Renaissance?
It provided a framework to explore themes of racial identity, heritage, and social justice, positioning their work within the broader narrative of American art and culture.
