Exploring African American History The Harlem Renaissance

Ti’Anna Smith Period 1 AP World History 12-14-15 Exploring African American History: The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance originally known as the New Negro Movement was an important part of African American culture and history, which helped African Americans express themselves and celebrate their heritage. Between the years of 1890-1920 close to two million African Americans traveled from the rural southern states to the northern cities. They traveled to these northern cities in hopes to find better opportunities for themselves as well as less discrimination. The Harlem Renaissance lasted from 1918-1935. The Harlem Renaissance was the name given to the cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem†¦show more content†¦The Jim Crow laws basically were a way to still continue to control blacks in a way even though they could no longer be considered slaves. People say that the time of the Harlem Renaissance was perfect timing because it was the time period between World War I and the Great Depression. Which were prosperous times in the United States. Aro und 175,000 African American moved to the Harlem section of Manhattan. Making the neighborhood the largest concentration of African American people in the world. In the north there were many industrial jobs and factory owners were looking all over for sources of cheap labor. However the North did not welcome the blacks with open arms. White labors complained that the African Americans were lowering the wages as well as overflowing the employment market. This caused a barrier in employment for African Americans. This caused African Americans in the Harlem area to set a goal for themselves to become economically self-sufficient. African American owned businesses provided Harlem residents with jobs, local services as well as popular entertainment venues. The Harlem renaissance brought many African American writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, philosophers, political activists and scholars to Harlem. All these people inspired one another to greatness. As well as boosting African Americans pride and visibility. Because of the Harlem Renaissance, almost anybody with any money what so