The Harlem Renaissance

The Great Migration Between 1910 and 1920 hundreds of thousands of African Americans flocked from the South the Northern cities in search of more opportunity. They faced a great deal of discrimination, however, and in 1919 there were about 25 urban race riots.

NAACP is formed It was founded in 1909 by WEB du Boise, and in 1919 it was successful in getting three anti-lynching laws introduced to Congress. The success of the organization begins to start a new chapter of African American empowerment.

Marcus Garvey and the UNIA This is a similar group to the NAACP and it made its headquarters in NYC. He was a tremendous speaker, and held rallies and parades that promoted the greatness of African American lives. He encouraged his followers to return to Africa. He was eventually convicted of tax fraud and jailed, but his influence remained.

In the 1920’s Harlem was the worlds largest black urban community. It was very much a literary and artistic culture

Mostly Literary The literary works of the Renaissance discussed the troubles of being black in America and spoke about rising above the oppression they have dealt with. Langston Hughes was one of the best known poets who often set his poems to the tempo of jazz music.

Jazz Music Although it was born in New Orleans, it became very popular in Harlem during the 1920’s. The “Cotton Club” was a famous jazz club that attracted the most talented jazz musicians in the world.

How Are the Two Events Related? Write a paragraph in which you draw comparisons and conclusions about your two topics. How are they similar/different?

Final Questions, Answer on the LAST page of your booklet. 1. Who is responsible for resolving conflict in the nation? Government or individuals? 2. To what extent have we improved as a society? What shortcomings have been addressed in order to make this nation a more tolerant one? 3. Which time period would have been a better time to live during: the 1920s or modern day? Provide evidence as to why you believe so.