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Jim Crow Laws
Jim Crow laws were a series of laws applied by the south to in a sense, legalize black racism. It was a caste system in which operated on race thus determining who had to follow the Laws. These laws stripped away many natural rights/freedoms given to blacks in the 13th Amendment. The racism would provide a platform in which motivated Blacks to not only move up North into Harlem but, help fuel their pride thus helping to develop and incorporate the unique styles of their Culture into the Era. -
NAACP
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was co founded by, Mary White Ovington,Oswald Garrison Villard, and W.E.B. DuBois. They fought to ensure that the 13th,14th, and 15th amendments were applied in everyday life. They strove to stop the negative racially motivated events in accordance with the federal law. It showed that blacks, such as DuBois,were capable of having intelligence.The diplomatic acts of this organization proved that intellects could function just as well. -
Great Migration
The Great Migration caused Blacks to search for a better life contributing to their move up North. It was their desire to escape segregation in the South. The cities up north such as Chicago, PA and NY offered promises such as jobs and hope due to the industrialization. The Great migration would cause many African Africans to significantly impact Urban Life, specifically in Harlem, New York. The strong sense of black community over common experiences helped to bond and progress the era. -
World War I
World War I (1914-1918) was one of the biggest pros for the African American intellects and artists. Although the war was generally viewed negatively, it supplied jobs for many African Americans that migrated North. As white men were sent to war, their jobs were left behind. Leaving opportunities for black Americans. Jobs allowed for them to sustain their lives. This war also emphasized the lack of appreciation for black soldiers who fought for the U.S, returning home to even more white hatred. -
Music
The Harlem Renaissance highlighted the musical talents of many African Americans. The majority of whites viewed African Americans as illiterate workers but now blacks were being seen as artists. The main genre of this movement was jazz, with improvised arrangements. This became a positive movement, as many white jazz artists in turn used black arrangements in their own music. They appreciated their artistry and regarded them highly,a healthy step for the time.(Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington etc) -
369th Infantry Regiment
Known as the Harlem Hellfighters, the 369th Infantry Regiment was the longest serving group of African-American soldiers during WWI. These men fought for 191 days which was longer than any other U.S. Regiment, white or black.The U.S. Army had a policy that forbade African Americans from marching in the general victory parade. In result, a parade for this regiment was held in Harlem to recognize the black men who fought for the U.S. This parade would create a enormous amount of cultural pride. -
Summer of 1919
The Red Summer of 1919 took place from May to October of that year. It consisted of race riots that were caused by many factors. white men attacked African Americans As a result of the Great Migration, African Americans essentially were taking jobs away from white men. This helps to highlight the fact that while African Americans were trying to escape the South they were not fully welcomed in the North. Racial tensions still existed regardless of whether or not they were in a free state. -
Cotton Club
The Cotton Club was opened by a African American man in 1920 but was taken over by a white gangster named Owney Madden in 1923. Madden's decor was meant to reflect a plantation environment in a tasteful manor as it catered to the white upper class. It's the Jazz shows in which many choose to affiliate the Club with. Black jazz musician's used the club to help further their careers. Duly noted, stereotypes were forced upon the black staff whom were obliged to act like they lived on a plantation. -
The Civic Club Dinner
It's original intended purpose was to honor the African-American writer Jessie Fauset but, would turn into a night in which honored all African American writers. During this event white writers also attended to acknowledge and recognize these black novelists. This was one of the most prominent events that would help advance acclamation towards black intellects. -
The Great Depression
The Harlem Renaissance would come to an end of success when the stock market crashed in 1929. The creative expression and achievements of the era would take a low blow. Small slivers of the Renaissance would live on well past the 20's but, not as strong as before. Harlem would surpass the depression and go on to be decent for several decades.
