Harlem Renaissance Social Change

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“A change in the customs, institutions, or culture of a society” The dictionary definition of social change. But what causes a Social Change? Would if I told you people embracing their once silenced talents in the arts lead to a major social change? The Harlem Renaissance was an African American cultural movement that began in 1920. It was thriving of African American culture in terms of the arts that lasted until 1930 reflecting the growth of racial identity and Black Nationalism. After years of slavery and fight for abolition, the Arts, such as art, literacy, and music, during the Harlem Renaissance acted as a gateway to eventually end segregation laws in the United States. During Harlem renaissance, African Americans were encouraged …show more content…

By the 1920's, many works were receiving critical praise in mainstream literary circles and popular among both black and white audiences. Zora Neale Hurston wrote the novel their eyes were watching God, which is about a young girl who is looking for true love. At Zora’s time, the book was deemed “politically incorrect” because of its personal topics such as racism, identity politics, and the legacy of slavery play which all play out in a small-town environment. Though at the time the novel wasn't recognized as it is today, it shows us how people reacted to sensitive subjects and how after the Harlem renaissance people were more accepting of Zora’s work. Langston Hughes was an American poet, and novelist, whose African-American themes made him a primary contributor to the Harlem Renaissance. His poem “I, too” begins by declaring that he too can “sing America,” meaning that he is claiming his right to feel patriotic towards America, even though he is the “darker” brother. This poem was very well known and popular among many African Americans because they could relate to it in so many ways. Literature during the Harlem renaissance was redefined and marked a period of tremendous gain in quantity and quality of African American literary.
Musical talent began to overflow within the newfound culture of the black community in Harlem opening new views on music and African Americans. Jazz legend Duke Ellington played a major role in the Harlem Renaissance as the band leader of the Cotton Club. Billy Robinson was another example of a successful African American during the Harlem renaissance. His dance “King for a day” was extremely upbeat and seen as extremely talented. These two guys are examples of African Americans who were extremely successful and seen as major influencers to

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