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The Crisis
The Crisis was the official magazine of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). W.E.B Du Bois’ believed that the educated Black elite should use their power to lead other Blacks to “liberation” or freedom. He also stated that Blacks would not be able to achieve social equality by matching white ideals. The only way to reach social equality is promoting Black pride & emphasizing the African American culture. The Black's perspectives enabled them to be influential. -
The Great Migration
Great Migration of African Americans occurred just after World War I. Blacks from the south began moving into the north. The northern cities had many more job opportunities for the African Americans due to the sudden decrease in the workforce. The Great Migration also began because of disenfranchisement. African Americans were unable to own land and were in constant debt. -
World War I
World War I occurred between the years 1914-1918. During this time many men and women began joining the army thus leaving their jobs unoccupied. This resulted in many better and new job opportunities in the north. These new jobs stimulated tons of migration into these northern cities from the south. -
Creation of Jazz
The creation of jazz was the most influential advancement during the Harlem Renaissance. It transformed the African American culture and showed the Whites that they were socially and intellectually similar. -
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Harlem Renaissance
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Red Summer
The Red Summer 1919 was a series of race riots. It was caused by labor shortages of World War I and the Great Migration. The riots followed post-war social tensions between the Whites and Blacks. The most violent riot took place in Chicago. By the end of the riots, 1000 African American families were homeless, 500 were injured and 50 were killed. -
Harmon Foundation
William Elmer Harmon created this foundation in 1922. It supported the creativity of African Americans and gave cash awards to Blacks for their achievements. It was the first foundation to give national recognition to African Americans. -
The Cotton Club
The Cotton Club was a popular night spot in the Harlem district of New York City. For years it featured important black entertainers who performed for their white audience. The clubs best years were between 1922-1935. Following the Harlem riots of 1935, the establishment moved but the club never regained the success it had at the beginning. -
Civic Club Dinner
Publishers, editors, artists and writers met at New York City’s Civic Club to celebrate the abundance of black creative talent. It was regarded as a “coming out party” for the underappreciated African Americans. It opened up opportunities for literary prizes. -
American Negro Labor Congress
The American Negro Labor Congress was established in 1925 by the Communist Party for advancing the rights of African Americans which propagandized the communism within the black community. It recruited African Americans for the party. The organization attacked racial segregation practices that many unions associated with the American Federation of Labor. -
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a long lasting downturn in the history of the Western industrialized world. It was “a drastic decline in the economy resulting in a mass unemployment and widespread poverty”. It started soon after the stock market crashed in October of 1929. The spirit and culture of the African Americans that was generated by the Harlem Renaissance quickly started to disappear.
