The roaring 20s was a time to be alive. Lots of money, excitement, and development. The 20s were a time of a new way of life and growth. Most importantly the Great migration took off or better known as the Harlem Renaissance. Blacks all over the south moved north for better paying jobs and to showcase their talents in a new land. Inspiring musicians, writers, and actors, made their mark in Harlem. People such as Cab Calloway, Langston Hughes, and Bessie smith came about. Even a new genre called jazz became very loved and spread throughout America. But, while the 20th century was a big glamorous party, there were still some downfalls.
The great migration was an important movement that took place in the 1920s. African Americans started expressing their culture and way of life. This was a prosperous event in the north but most recognized in Harlem New York. With the rapid migration toward the north Harlem became the largest population of African Americans. For once blacks felt Sophisticated and proud to show their culture and talents, a sense of equality was at mind, but unfortunately, the 1920s was far from equality. Although people went from rags to riches, there were still many faults. Segregation and lynching were still happening despite the wonderful developments and growth. With the Harlem renaissance being apart of the 20th century and taking place in the north, lots of murders took place also many mobsters were around.
In addition, the Harlem renaissance had great leaders like W.E. B DuBois, an NAACP member. He helped blacks get Recognition for their achievement. Dubois felt that equality could be met through the fine arts and talents showcased in the migration. He was one of the first african american to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1895. DuBois role in the Harlem Renaissance was vital he wrote books and was highly educated, he believed that African American should have a high education. His Persevereing lead to other great leaders of the negro migration. Another forefather of the movement was Langston Hughes, the great poet, and writer. Hughes artistic works flourished through the 20th century and is still recognized today. His poetry was like no others, he wrote about what was going on around him and added his twist to it. During the time period he incorporated the slang of how black people talked and added a rhythmic flows that could paint a picture while reading it. His travels kept him open minded and cultured, as his work conveys. He not only wrote poems, he wrote books and plays. Hughes talents stood out and became inspirational, opening the door for other great men and women’s light to shine.
More influential writers and leaders of the Harlem Renaissance were than Discovered, such as Zora Neale Hurston. Zora Neale was a wonderful writer and anthropologist, who moved to Harlem, New York in the 1920s. she is the author of the famously known novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Her novels were very daring and depicted vivid experiences of black women in the 20th century, the creativity and interesting topics made her work popular. Hurtson than collaborated with Hughes in some works. She is Also known as a civil rights activist and helped protect the rights of african americans. Hurston is remembered all throughout the Harlem renaissance.
Continuing Into the Harlem Renaissance is the new genera of music called jazz. It started south in New Orleans and spread north, it swept through the lands and shaped America. Duke Ellington played an important role in popularizing the new genre, jazz. Ellington had the wonderful opportunity of broadcasting his talents in the Cotton Club. He was a skillful pianist and smooth jazz player. Not only did Ellington perform for live audiences, he also wrote music for Broadway musicals. His style of entertainment was like no other, he incorporate jazz and blues together. Like many other artists Ellington was vital to the development of the Harlem Renaissance as well. Despite segregation, whites and upper class citizens from all over came to see African american performances at the legendary Cotton Club, the best spot around. Inside the club cotton club were the best of the best dancers and musicians, and the style of music was commonly referred to as “jungle music”. While there were great entertainers the theme of the club was very stereotypical and racial. Many talented renowned performancer came through the doors of the cotton club, Cab Calloway was one of many. He was an incredible singer and bandleader. He is most famous for his “Minnie the Moocher” (Hi-De-Ho) song, and his energetic movement on the stage.
Not long after, young blues singer Bessie Smith made her way into the spotlight of the Harlem Renaissance. She was known as the “Empress of Blues”, and rose her way to the top performing with artists such as Louis Armstrong. She was greatly loved and the most Successful women to sing the blues. Her contributions to the renaissance was amazing, she was most admirable despite her struggles, she often donated to charities and helped the less fortunate. Smith was not only a blues singer, but she expressed her emotions and personality through her music. She was able to captivate many crowds of people despite their skin color. Her vocals touched the hearts of many, making her the best blue singers. The Harlem Renaissance was all about expressing african Americans talents and mindset.
One of the most iconic dancers and activist in the Harlem Renaissance was Josephine Baker. She was known her erotic dancing and was known world wide. She performed in Paris plenty of times and eventually it became home to her. During the time of Segregation she would come back to the U.S to perform only for clubs willing to innergrate for her performances. She also was a singer and Comedian. Her most famous Performances was her “ Banana dance“. Bakers talents carried her through the 20th century with many awards. Another style of performance art was Vaudeville, this was a playful like manner while entertaining at the same time. This was Bill Robinson fashion of performancing, he was mostly known as Bojangles. He was a recognized African american tap dancer and actor. Bojangles became a Broadway star and was seen in different Hollywood films and nightclubs. His tap dancing techniques were unusual and stood out from the rest. He is an icon to the Harlem Renaissance.