The Harlem Renaissance: An African American Cultural Movement
Foreword The United States is a relatively young country It has existed as its own nation for more than 200 years but compared to nations such as China that have existed since ancient times it is still in its infancy However the United States has grown and accomplished accomplished much since its birth in 1776 What started as a loose confederation of former British colonies has grown into a major world power whose influence is felt around the globe How did the United States manage to develop into a global superpower in such a short time The answer lies in a close study of its unique history The story of America America is unlike any other filled with colorful characters a variety of exciting settings and events too incredible to be anything other than true Too often the experience of history is lost among the basic facts names dates places laws treaties and battles These fill countless textbooks but they are rarely compelling on their own Far more interesting interesting are the stories that surround those 4 The Harlem Renaissance An African American Cultural Movement
basic facts It is in discovering those stories stories that students are able to see history as a subject filled with life and a subject that says as much about the present as it does about the past The titles in this series allow readers to immerse themselves in the action at pivotal historical moments They also encourage readers to discuss complex issues in American history many of which still affect Americans today These include racism states rights civil liberties liberties and many other topics that are in the news today but have their roots in the earliest days of America As such readers are encouraged to think critically about history and current events Each title is filled with excellent tools for research and analysis Fully cited quotations from historical figures letters speeches and documents provide students students with firsthand accounts of major events Primary sources bring authority to the text as well Sidebars highlight these quotes and primary sources as well as interesting figures and events Annotated bibliographies allow students to locate and evaluate sources for further information on the subject A deep understanding of America’s past is necessary to understand its present present and its future Sometimes you have to look back in order to see how to best move forward and that is certainly true when writing the next chapter in the American story Foreword 5
1909 The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP is founded Setting the Scene 1920 Eugene O’Neill’s play The Emperor Jones debuts in November 1917 Marcus Garvey moves to Harlem and founds the United Negro Improvement Association UNIA 1909 1913 1919 1917 1919 1920 1920s 1919 Race riots explode in cities throughout the country creating the Red Summer of Hate 1920s Huge numbers of black Americans leave New York to travel abroad 1913 1919 Early jazz is first heard in New York City 6 The Harlem Renaissance An African American Cultural Movement
A Timeline 1921 Shuffle Along opens on Broadway in New York City 1935 The Works Progress Administration WPA begins providing government-sponsored jobs to many Harlem-based artists and writers The Harlem Race Riot is sparked by anger over racial discrimination 1926 Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom opens 1921 1923 1926 1929 1935 1923 Duke Ellington and his band arrive in New York The legendary Cotton Club opens in Harlem 1929 The Great Depression begins Setting the Scene A Timeline 7
