Harlem Renaissance

Background Information
- In 1920, the city of Harlem was an exciting and expensive place for many African American people of live.
- Harlem was a place with with many African American professions, such as lawyers, doctors, and ministers, but most people were not paid with such a high salary.
- Aspiring writers, authors, musicians, dancers, and actors moved to Harlem.
- There was a problem for some people who could not pay rent. So, a resident in Harlem came up with the idea of the rent party. It was a party to help the host raise money for their rent.
- Rent parties were a time to enjoy food, drink, and live music. Rent parties were very important to the Harlem Renaissance.
- In the 1920's liquor was outlawed because of the Prohibition, but there was still alcohol at the rent parties.
- During the Harlem Renaissance, the creative efforts of African Americans were recognized by the world in general.
- African Americans artists began receiving money and appreciation for their work.
- The Harlem Renaissance generated pride among African Americans.
- White people became interested in the works coming from Harlem. They even gave financial aid.

3 people
Paul Laurence Dunbar
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/paul_laurence_dunbar/photo
- He was the son of former slaves.
- He went to Central High School and was the only African American in the school.
- He wrote and edited a four page weekly called The Tattler.
- He wrote books and poems during the Harlem Renaissance.
- His books warned of racial prejudice and was motivational for the people of Harlem.

Marcus Garvey
http://www.africawithin.com/garvey/garvey_bio.htm
- He was a great force for social and political change during the Harlem Renaissance.
- He was considered one of the most influential political leaders of the twentieth century.
- People still use his examples today.
- He started the "Back to Africa" movement.
- He promised African Americans that he would help them overthrow colonial government and get their land.

Aaron Douglas
http://www.montmartre-virt.paris4.sorbonne.fr/Map%20web%20site/Christine%20Montmartre/Harlem%20Renaissance.htm

- In 1922, he graduated from the University of Nebraska with a fine arts degree.
- He taught drawing at Lincoln High School
- He developed his own style of art that used African American ancestral designs and geometric patterns of ancient African art.
- His art was used in a magazine called The New Negro.
- Douglas was one of the most influential artists in the Harlem Renaissance.

Sources: The Harlem Renaissance In American History by Ann Graham Gaines
Gaines, Ann. The Harlem Renaissance in American History. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2002. Print.
Pictures- http://www.montmartre-virt.paris4.sorbonne.fr/Map%20web%20site/Christine%20Montmartre/Harlem%20Renaissance.htm
http://www.africawithin.com/garvey/garvey_bio.htm
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/paul_laurence_dunbar/photo

*My computer did not have Microsoft Student downloaded. I used a book from the library instead.