✊🏿African American History – 1865 to Present Unit 4 – Great Migration & Harlem Renaissance

Historical Context

• The Great Migration and Harlem Renaissance took place during the early 20th century, primarily between 1910 and 1930
• This period followed the Reconstruction era and the establishment of Jim Crow laws in the South
• World War I (1914-1918) created labor shortages in Northern cities as many men were drafted into the military
• The boll weevil infestation in the South during the 1910s and 1920s devastated cotton crops, leading to economic hardship for many African American farmers
• Racial violence, including lynchings and race riots, was prevalent in the South during this time, creating a hostile and dangerous environment for African Americans

Causes of the Great Migration

• Jim Crow laws in the South enforced racial segregation and discrimination, limiting opportunities for African Americans
• Widespread racial violence, including lynchings and race riots, threatened the safety and lives of African Americans in the South
• The boll weevil infestation in the 1910s and 1920s destroyed cotton crops, a primary source of income for many African American farmers
• World War I created a demand for labor in Northern factories as many men were drafted into the military
• Northern cities offered the promise of better economic opportunities, higher wages, and more social freedoms compared to the South
• African American newspapers, such as the Chicago Defender, encouraged Southern blacks to migrate North for a better life

The Journey North

• African Americans primarily traveled by train, with many taking the Illinois Central Railroad from the South to Chicago
• Some migrants also traveled by bus, car, or even on foot, depending on their financial resources and circumstances
• The journey was often difficult and dangerous, with migrants facing overcrowded conditions, limited resources, and the risk of racial violence along the way
• Many migrants had to leave behind family members and sell their possessions to afford the trip North
• Upon arrival in Northern cities, migrants often faced challenges such as housing discrimination, overcrowding, and exploitation by employers and landlords

Impact on Northern Cities

• The Great Migration led to a significant increase in the African American population in Northern cities, particularly in Chicago, New York, and Detroit
  • Chicago's black population grew from 44,000 in 1910 to 233,000 by 1930
  • New York City's black population increased from 91,000 in 1910 to 328,000 by 1930
• The influx of African American migrants strained housing, leading to overcrowding and the formation of urban ghettos
• Competition for jobs and housing between African American migrants and European immigrants sometimes led to racial tensions and conflicts
• African American neighborhoods, such as Harlem in New York and Bronzeville in Chicago, became cultural and intellectual hubs for the black community
• The growing African American population in Northern cities led to increased political influence and the election of black representatives to local and state offices

Cultural Awakening in Harlem

• The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic movement that took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the 1920s and 1930s
• Harlem became a center for African American creativity, with a thriving arts scene that included literature, music, dance, and visual arts
• The movement celebrated African American culture, heritage, and identity, challenging stereotypes and promoting racial pride
• The Harlem Renaissance attracted both African American and white audiences, helping to bridge the racial divide and foster cultural understanding
• The movement was influenced by various cultural and intellectual currents, including the New Negro Movement, Pan-Africanism, and the Jazz Age

Key Figures of the Harlem Renaissance

• Langston Hughes, a poet, novelist, and playwright, was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance known for his insightful and powerful works exploring African American life and culture
• Zora Neale Hurston, an anthropologist, folklorist, and writer, celebrated African American folklore and culture in her novels and short stories, such as "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
• Duke Ellington, a renowned jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, helped elevate jazz as a serious art form and contributed to the soundtrack of the Harlem Renaissance
• W.E.B. Du Bois, a sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, played a key role in shaping the intellectual discourse of the Harlem Renaissance through his writings and leadership in the NAACP
• Josephine Baker, a dancer, singer, and actress, became an international icon and symbol of the Jazz Age, challenging racial stereotypes and breaking barriers for African American performers

Artistic and Literary Achievements

• The Harlem Renaissance produced a wealth of literary works, including poetry, novels, short stories, and essays that explored African American experiences and identity
  • Notable works include Langston Hughes' "The Weary Blues," Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God," and Claude McKay's "Home to Harlem"
• Jazz music flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, with artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bessie Smith gaining national and international acclaim
• African American visual artists, such as Aaron Douglas and Palmer Hayden, created powerful and stylized works that celebrated black culture and challenged racial stereotypes
• The Harlem Renaissance also saw the rise of African American theater, with plays like "Shuffle Along" and "The Green Pastures" enjoying success on Broadway
• The movement's artistic and literary achievements helped to redefine African American identity, challenge dominant narratives about race, and pave the way for future generations of black artists and intellectuals

Legacy and Lasting Influence

• The Harlem Renaissance laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s by fostering a sense of racial pride, unity, and political consciousness among African Americans
• The movement's celebration of African American culture and identity helped to challenge racist stereotypes and promote a more positive and nuanced understanding of black life and experiences
• The artistic and literary works produced during the Harlem Renaissance continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated as an essential part of American cultural heritage
• The Harlem Renaissance inspired future generations of African American artists, writers, and intellectuals, who built upon its legacy and continued to push for racial equality and cultural recognition
• The movement's influence extended beyond the United States, with artists and intellectuals from the African diaspora drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and incorporating its themes and styles into their own works