The early 20th century saw a group of people who had no power or position in the nation thrive. The Harlem Renaissance was the beginning of the acceptance and spread of the black culture and ideas in New York City and the social and artistic explosion that resulted. The main reason why the African American culture experienced the renaissance was to change how society viewed African Americans. The movements were more based on pride in the African-American lifestyle rather than just a literary movement. Wedin’s Article states that the Renaissance was to change how society viewed the African American people as uneducated and uncivilized respectable citizens of the great nation (Wedin 140).
Another reason for the Harlem Renaissance was to help African Americans define who they were and what they view was by making significant impacts on society. During this era, people expressed their ideas through fine arts, stage performances, and music. Evidently, the number of black citizens living in the city of Harlem, also known as “the Black Mecca” and “the capital of black people doubled. The popularity of Harlem created a perfect environment for writers, musicians, entertainers, and artists to express their ideas and views concerning the African-American culture to the world (Wedin 144).
The Harlem Renaissance was also meant to give African Americans a sense of unity and provide them with an opportunity to exploit their variety and ambitions. For example, jazz music was thriving during this era, and even the whites came to experience the nightclubs in New York. The revolution also expressed the political views of African Americans. Political parties such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People started to meet the demands of black people. As a result, discrimination levels in education, politics, and society significantly reduced (Wedin 145).
Works Cited
Wedin, Carolyn. “HARLEM RENAISSANCE WEST.” The Harlem Renaissance in the American West: The New Negro’s Western Experience (2012): 140.
