AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Harlem Renaissance (Day 230/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Harlem Renaissance as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Nightlife, Archibald Motley, Art Institute Chicago

The Harlem Renaissance refers to the blossoming of African American music, dance, art, literature, and politics centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the 1920s and 30s.

The Great Migration, Wikimedia Commons

The movement emerged as a result of the Great Migration, in which a significant number of African Americans moved from the South to urban centers like Harlem in search of better opportunities. 

Langston Hughes Photo from Poem Analysis, With poem created by apushladyboss

Key figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay emerged as literary giants, exhibiting a distinct African American voice and exposing issues of racial identity and equality.

“Nightclub Map of Harlem,” Library of Congress

Jazz and the Blues showcased the talents of artists like Ma Rainey, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong, contributing to the global popularity of African American cultural expressions. 

Marcus Garvey Photo from South Florida Caribbean News, With quote by apushladyboss

The Harlem Renaissance not only produced timeless works of art but also laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement as leaders like Marcus Garvey sought to foster a sense of racial pride, identity, and self-determination. 

The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant cultural explosion which challenged racial stereotypes, opened avenues for African Americans to gain recognition, and increased discourse on issues of race in America. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Resurgence of the KKK in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!