The Great Migration and the Harlem

Renaissance1919-1940

A movement to recognize African American artists, musicians, dancers, and poets.

In the early 19th century, many African Americans moved from their residences in the South, to more industrial, urban areas in the north. One of the factors contributing to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the great migration of African-Americans to northern cities (such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.) between 1919 and 1926.

The Great Migration:

The Great Migration helped to spark a cultural renewal for African American people in New York City. African American musicians, writers, actors, and artists all reflected this renewal of culture, and celebrated it through their many works. This helped shape both a new African American culture and identity. This movement became known as the Harlem Renaissance. It not only became an important part of African American history, but also in the history of the United States. 

What was this “migration”?

Can you name any African American entertainers/writers

from this period?Take 2 minutes to discuss with your tablemate(s). Raise your hand when you think you can name one.

Duke Ellington: One of the most famous musicians to emerge from the Harlem Renaissance.

His “Jazz” style would set the tone of the Renaissance.

Here is a taste of his music! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDQpZT3

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Famous Musicians of the Harlem Renaissance

Other famous musicians from the renaissance period include:

Billie Holiday Louis Armstrong

Musicians continued

In what ways do you think these musicians influenced future generations of African American musicians?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgoVDTwPaA0&feature=player_embedded

Answer this question while listening to Louis!

Aaron Douglas-most famous for painting murals for public buildings and covers for African American magazines

Artists of the Renaissance

Lois Mailou Jones a brilliant artist was not allowed to show or sell her work because she was black.

What do you think the artist is trying to show in this print?

Artists continued

The Harlem Renaissance brought about several new dance trends: The Charleston, named for the city of Charleston SC., and the Jitterbug, named for the movement of the dance.

Two of the most famous dancers of the time were: Josephine Baker and Bill Robinson better known as “Mr. Bojangles.”

New Dances and Dancers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyhTW705BNQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjCFYpWDmfM

How did these African American dancers influence current dance trends?

Clips of two dancers:

Two of the most famous writes to come out of the Harlem Renaissance were:

1. Zora Neale Hurston who is most famous for writing: Their eyes were watching God.

2. Langston Hughes: Famous for poetry.

Read the poems by Langston Hughes and write a brief comparison of them.

African American Writers

The Apollo Theater was constructed on 125th Street in Harlem, New York. It was originally Hurtig and Seamon's New Burlesque Theatre, and African American admissions were not permitted. However, in January, 1934, African Americans began to perform, and the attention shifted to the new celebration of Black culture in New York City. The Apollo theater became a place to celebrate African American performers, and featured some well-known names, such as Ella Fitzgerald. This venue helped many other famous black performers start their careers later on, such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and even Michael Jackson.

The Great Apollo Theater

Your turn!Write a 6-8 line poem about your dreams for the future. This can be a rhyming or free verse