The Harlem Renaissance A Celebration of African American Life

The Harlem Renaissance Celebrated the Black culture Celebrated the Black culture Writers did not share a style Writers did not share a style The goal: to document the experiences of their people The goal: to document the experiences of their people Writers, painters, actors, musicians Writers, painters, actors, musicians Opened the door to acceptance to African American artists Opened the door to acceptance to African American artists Raised consciousness about racism Raised consciousness about racism

Langston Hughes “The Busboy Poet”

Bio. Discovered when working as a busboy, he left his poetry by a writer’s plate. Discovered when working as a busboy, he left his poetry by a writer’s plate. Most influential H.R. advocate Most influential H.R. advocate Combined rhythms of jazz and blues with stories of Harlem life and the struggles of black Americans. Combined rhythms of jazz and blues with stories of Harlem life and the struggles of black Americans. His poetry non- traditional His poetry non- traditional

Countee Cullen Harlem Renaissance Poet

Bio. Taught in the Harlem public schools Taught in the Harlem public schools His poetry more traditional in form His poetry more traditional in form Regarded himself as a lyric poet in the Romantic tradition Regarded himself as a lyric poet in the Romantic tradition Felt poetry should transcend the issues of race, yet these themes permeate his works Felt poetry should transcend the issues of race, yet these themes permeate his works