Curriculum Materials: Art in America
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Image 20 James van DerZee Questions: |
The Harlem Renaissance
Before and during the First World War, large numbers of
black Americans migrated north in search of educational and
work opportunities that were not available to them in the
south. Many moved to New York City because of New York's
greater legal protection of blacks and the strong presence
there of a chapter of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The thriving black
cultural life and intellectual community of Harlem attracted
many talented black authors, playwrights, artists,
musicians, and other creative people. Publishers and art
establishments in liberal New York City encouraged and
supported the development of black music and literature.
Harlem's jazz musicians, musical revue performers, actors,
and literary celebrities drew international attention to
this prosperous black community. The period from about 1919
to the early 1930s is now called the Harlem
Renaissance.
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