Harlem Renaissance

Freedom For All Slaves

Dec 18, 1865

The 13th amendment was put into place. From this point on Slavery is illegal

Migration

Jan 1, 1890

Between 1890 and 1920, about two million African Americans migrate from the rural southern states to the northern cities, where they hope to find better opportunities and less discrimination.

The Start

Jan 1, 1917

Jamaican-born Marcus Garvey arrives in Harlem and founds the United Negro Improvement Association, an organization that urges blacks to unite and form their own nation.

Claude McKay

Jan 2, 1917

Two of Claude McKay's poems are published in the white literary journal Seven Arts.

Jessie Redmon

Mar 1, 1919

Jessie Redmon Fauset becomes literary editor of Crisis.

Harry Pace

Jan 1, 1921

Harry Pace founds the Black Swan Phonograph Corporation and begins production of the "race records" that will help to bring jazz and blues music to a wider audience.

First Major Book

Mar 1, 1922

The first major book of the Harlem Renaissance appears when Claude McKay's novel Harlem Shadows is published by Harcourt, Brace.

Stock Market crash

Mar 1, 1929

The stock market crashes, setting off the economic downturn known as the Great Depression.

Black School of Arts

Mar 1, 1931

Artist August Savage opens the Savage School of Arts and Crafts in Harlem.

Discrimination

Mar 1, 1935

Harlem is the scene of a major riot sparked by anger over discrimination by white-owned businesses.