This cultural movement, which flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, was centered in Harlem, New York City, and saw an explosion of artistic, literary, and musical creativity by African American artists.
Key elements of the Harlem Renaissance include:
* New Negro poetry: This focused on themes of Black identity, pride, and resistance to racial prejudice.
* Emphasis on self-respect and defiance: Writers and artists challenged the racist Jim Crow laws and the prevailing negative stereotypes of Black people.
* Exploration of Black culture: The movement celebrated African American heritage, traditions, and experiences.
Some of the most famous writers and poets associated with the Harlem Renaissance include:
* Langston Hughes
* Claude McKay
* Zora Neale Hurston
* Countee Cullen
* W.E.B. Du Bois
The Harlem Renaissance had a profound impact on American culture and helped to pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement decades later.