The Harlem Renaissance was a significant part of history that took place in the early part of the twentieth century in United States. This significant era all began in a large neighborhood in Harlem, New York. The city Harlem was the birthplace of a period that completely revolutionized the country and made an impact on the way African Americans were viewed throughout the United States. During this period, it gave birth to “intellectual and artistic flourishing in areas including music, literature, and the visual arts among the African American community throughout the early part of the twentieth century”.[1] The uprising of this cultural movement in the city later developed into what is now known as the Harlem Renaissance.
Harlem developed into a city that many African Americans began moving into since many opportunities were being offered there more than ever before. Aside from the uprising and recognition of certain arts in the city, there were also many education opportunities that were accessible to them. Many African Americans began “migrating from the south in search of better economic and schooling opportunities that would give them escape from the horrible social conditions that threatened their lives”.[2] Harlem and all of New York were different from other Northern cities in reference that they prohibited discrimination towards African Americans inside of schools. That alone already created a positive change and a start to a new beginning in their lives. By moving to Harlem and surrounding cities, they were no longer going to be excluded from certain opportunities due to the color of their skin. The population of African Americans in Harlem during the 1930’s had increased by nearly seventeen percent due to this cultural movement. [3] As more individuals became aware of these opportunities the flow of people moving into Harlem increased. Even though the flow of people coming into the city was so high, schools were now open to both black and whites, but in reality they only served the black population due to the change of demographics in the area. [4] As more African Americans moved into the area, the city and its surrounding areas became more overcrowded than ever before.
Harlem experienced drastic changes due to the amount of people that moved into the city. This increase in population during this period caused there to be huge changes and transformations throughout different aspects of the city. The increase of population in Harlem during this time sparked ideas to businesses owners and companies to follow their footsteps and move into the city as well . [5] Since many new individuals lived in the city, businesses thought that it would be a good idea to start new shops in different areas in city. Everyone was on the search for one thing, success. These businesses saw new opportunities and created new shops and locations that attracted African Americans. The new locations in the city consisted of: “hairdressers, barber shops, restaurants, social clubs, and night clubs”. [6] Many individuals that were part of low-income families were not even able to find job opportunities inside of Harlem, but rather had to travel to other parts of New York. As soon as the subway had been complete, people were able to transport city to city much easier. [7] Since they were part of low-income families, they had to struggle harder than those who were slightly wealthier than them.
The complete transformation of Harlem did make things easier and slightly more comfortable for African Americans, but they still faced a continuous struggle at the time. Indeed, during this period of history there was a positive revolutionary change for African Americans, but things were still not perfect. Even though places were prohibited from discriminating African Americans, there were still whites that gave black individuals a harder time. White individuals even created “groups that tried to keep blacks from moving into certain neighborhoods”. [8] African Americans had to overcome certain barriers to attain the respect that is deserved. Harlem was the birthplace to this revolutionary start and began creating changes throughout the country.
Harlem developed into a city that many African Americans began moving into since many opportunities were being offered there more than ever before. Aside from the uprising and recognition of certain arts in the city, there were also many education opportunities that were accessible to them. Many African Americans began “migrating from the south in search of better economic and schooling opportunities that would give them escape from the horrible social conditions that threatened their lives”.[2] Harlem and all of New York were different from other Northern cities in reference that they prohibited discrimination towards African Americans inside of schools. That alone already created a positive change and a start to a new beginning in their lives. By moving to Harlem and surrounding cities, they were no longer going to be excluded from certain opportunities due to the color of their skin. The population of African Americans in Harlem during the 1930’s had increased by nearly seventeen percent due to this cultural movement. [3] As more individuals became aware of these opportunities the flow of people moving into Harlem increased. Even though the flow of people coming into the city was so high, schools were now open to both black and whites, but in reality they only served the black population due to the change of demographics in the area. [4] As more African Americans moved into the area, the city and its surrounding areas became more overcrowded than ever before.
Harlem experienced drastic changes due to the amount of people that moved into the city. This increase in population during this period caused there to be huge changes and transformations throughout different aspects of the city. The increase of population in Harlem during this time sparked ideas to businesses owners and companies to follow their footsteps and move into the city as well . [5] Since many new individuals lived in the city, businesses thought that it would be a good idea to start new shops in different areas in city. Everyone was on the search for one thing, success. These businesses saw new opportunities and created new shops and locations that attracted African Americans. The new locations in the city consisted of: “hairdressers, barber shops, restaurants, social clubs, and night clubs”. [6] Many individuals that were part of low-income families were not even able to find job opportunities inside of Harlem, but rather had to travel to other parts of New York. As soon as the subway had been complete, people were able to transport city to city much easier. [7] Since they were part of low-income families, they had to struggle harder than those who were slightly wealthier than them.
The complete transformation of Harlem did make things easier and slightly more comfortable for African Americans, but they still faced a continuous struggle at the time. Indeed, during this period of history there was a positive revolutionary change for African Americans, but things were still not perfect. Even though places were prohibited from discriminating African Americans, there were still whites that gave black individuals a harder time. White individuals even created “groups that tried to keep blacks from moving into certain neighborhoods”. [8] African Americans had to overcome certain barriers to attain the respect that is deserved. Harlem was the birthplace to this revolutionary start and began creating changes throughout the country.
[1] Tracey Hughes, "What is The Harlem Renaissance," Accessed April 14, 2014, http://libguides.library.umkc.edu/content.php?pid=49280.
[2] "Harlem Renaissance/The New Negro Movement and Education," Accessed March, 25, 2014, http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/Education/page_1a.htm.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Adam Schaefer, The Harlem Renaissance. (New York: Heinemann-Raintree, 2003), 12.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Taylor Monique, Harlem Between Heaven and Hell. (Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 2002.), 168
[8] Adam Schaefer, The Harlem Renaissance. (New York: Heinemann-Raintree, 2003), 13.
[9] Joan Neuberger, "Episode 49: The Harlem Renaissance", April 14, 2014, https://blogs.utexas.edu/15minutehistory/2014/04/09/episode-49-the-harlem-renaissance/.
[2] "Harlem Renaissance/The New Negro Movement and Education," Accessed March, 25, 2014, http://www.jcu.edu/harlem/Education/page_1a.htm.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Adam Schaefer, The Harlem Renaissance. (New York: Heinemann-Raintree, 2003), 12.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Taylor Monique, Harlem Between Heaven and Hell. (Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 2002.), 168
[8] Adam Schaefer, The Harlem Renaissance. (New York: Heinemann-Raintree, 2003), 13.
[9] Joan Neuberger, "Episode 49: The Harlem Renaissance", April 14, 2014, https://blogs.utexas.edu/15minutehistory/2014/04/09/episode-49-the-harlem-renaissance/.