21.4: THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE OBJECTIVE: Understand why the 1920’s were a crucial era in African-American History HW 22.1

What does UNIA stand for? James Weldon Johnson was the leader of the _______. Sec. of the Interior Albert _____ was at the heart of the scandal. The US tried to restrict immigration with a ________ system. __________ replaced Harding as President after Harding died of a heart attack.

CHANGE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN SOCIETY Great Black Migration during WWI and 1920’s 4.8 of 12 million Af-Am move from South to cities, mainly in Northeast and Mid-West 1917-1919: 25 race riots NAACP membership doubles James Weldon Johnson leads NAACP on anti-lynching crusade Fails to pass anti-lynching bill in Congress

MARCUS GARVEY Marcus Garvey founds more radical UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association) Promotes collective action and Af-Am businesses Argues for separatism and separate businesses, such as Black Star Line, attempt to re-colonize Africa. Deported to Jamaica for mail fraud

41. Marcus Garvey and the UNIA 42. Paul Robeson 5 New ID’s 40. Harlem Renaissance 41. Marcus Garvey and the UNIA 42. Paul Robeson 43. Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith 44. Langston Hughes

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/garvey/gallery/3.html

HARLEM RENAISSANCE Harlem is the “Mecca” or “Capital” of Black America At 330,000 inhabitants, it is the largest black urban community in the world 1920’s Harlem is the epicenter of an artistic and literary movement, the Harlem Renaissance

African-American Writers Claude McKay: Poet, inspired resistance to prejudice, known for his militant verses. “America” Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth, Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth! Her vigor flows like tides into my blood, Giving me strength erect against her hate. Her bigness sweeps me like a flood.

African-American Writers Langston Hughes: Poet, described every-day life of African-Americans African-American Writers Hugh Langston : Poet, described every-day life of African-Americans I am a Negro Black as the night is black Black like the depths of my Africa “Backlash Blues” Mister rich man, rich man, Open up your heart and mind. Mister rich man, rich man, Open up your heart and mind. Give the poor man a chance, Help stop these hard, hard times. While you're livin' in your mansion You don't know what hard times means. While you're livin' in your mansion You don't know what hard times means. Poor workin' man's wife is starvin', Your wife is livin' like a queen.

African-American Writers Zora Neale Hurston: Female Author, Their Eyes Were Watching God Quotes – "...I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all." "Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me.“ "At certain times I have no race, I am me. When I set my hat at a certain angle and saunter down Seventh Avenue, Harlem City, feeling as snooty as the lions in front of Forty-Second Street Library, for instance. ...The cosmic Zora emerges. I belong to no race nor time. I am the eternal feminine with its string of beads." "Sometimes I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It's beyond me."

African-American Performers Paul Robeson: Actor, Lawyer Louis Armstrong: Trumpet Player, Band Leader Duke” Ellington: Jazz pianist, Composer, Band Leader at Cotton Club Bessie Smith: Blues Singer

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/robeson/images/alston-drawing.jpg

What were some of the most important ideas, opinions and beliefs expressed in African-American art and literature, and politics in the 1920’s?