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Essay / The Harlem Renaissance: A New Beginning of African American Culture
With the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments established in America, the rights of African Americans became important and they were given many more freedoms. Even with these elements in place, the confidence, passion, and acceptance of African Americans continued to be lacking. At the dawn of change in the 1920s, it was time to celebrate African American victory and culture; There is no doubt that the Harlem Renaissance was a rebirth and a new beginning of African American culture for eternal life in America. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In the 1890s, things began to change with the Great Migration. After the end of World War I, urban industrialism became more important in the United States. As factories needed more workers, employers turned to African Americans to fill positions. Newspaper advertisements were placed and African Americans began to migrate from the southern states. It was very difficult to find housing and many people were still opposed to African Americans and believed that America should remain segregated. It was particularly difficult for women to obtain employment. As a result, there was extreme competition for women in the American job market. Because it was difficult to find housing, African Americans began building their own towns within larger cities. This includes places like Harlem in New York. The migration experience that all African Americans have shared has led some to express themselves in ways you might not imagine. The Harlem Renaissance focused on art, writing, poetry, and music. This is how African Americans told their stories and embraced their culture. Claude McKay and Jean Toomer were two of the early breakthroughs in the Harlem Renaissance poetry category. McKay's "Harlem Shadows" collection and Jean Toomer's "Cane" launched the movement for the expression of African-American culture. Later, in 1924, Jessie Redmon Fauset's novel "There Is Confusion" showed the struggle African Americans faced when trying to find their place in the predominantly white city of Manhattan. This very successful novel gave great opportunities to other African-American writers. This allowed them to share their stories and as a result, they were recognized by many renowned magazines. Langston Hughes is one of the best-known writers of this period. His famous poem “Me Too” looked to the future, hoping that one day segregation would not limit him from realizing his own version of life and the American dream. It was the first time readers had seen an African-American work published on this scale. Writers like these truly opened the door to the rest of the African American people. The music coming out of Harlem was primarily jazz. Jazz was often played in speakeasies and became a great way to get together with African Americans playing jazz in upscale restaurants filled with wealthy, upper-class whites. Many American musical sensations emerged from this period, notably Louis Armstrong. Louis changed jazz music forever and was probably the greatest trumpeter of all time. His charismatic spirit and impeccable talent were appreciated by many. There is no doubt that he played a major role in the revival of remarkable African-American culture. Music in full swing.