Harlem Renaissance

Jim Crow Laws

1877

1877-1950
The Jim Crow Laws made everything in the south more segregated than it already was. There were signs everywhere saying white only or colored. The fact that there were a lot of places that blacks were not allowed to go was degrading.

NAACP

1910

This association has provided 'support and leadership in the fight against racial inequalities in America.'

It is still active and significant today.
A leading figure was W.E.B. Du Bois
African Americans made up the majority of the members; it had many local chapters across the nation.
Took on racial inequalities in legal matters as it was often dangerous to protest directly, an example of this is the Jim Crow Laws.
Involved in anti-lynching efforts and the modern Civil Rights movement.

The Great Migration

1916

1916-1970
The Great Migration was the fleeing of thousands of black from the south, to the north. The economy was circling the drain and the living conditions were horrible. The economy in the north was growing and the factory owners needed more people willing to work for cheap labor.

Silent Protest Parade

Jul 28, 1917

Organized by the NAACP.
Also known as the Silent March- on 5th Avenue
Held because of the violence against African Americans including race riots and lynchings
James Weldon Johnson organized a gathering of civil rights leaders to plan for a protest
Nearly 10,000 marched in silence- led by children, then women, with the men at the back.
Banners and posters were carried stating the reasons for marching.
It was a protest 'unlike any other seen in the city or the nation'.

Shuffle Along on Broadway

1921

Shuffle Along was a musical comedy written by composer Eubie Blake and lyricist Noble Sissle.
Featured an all-black cast.
It was the greatest achievement in black theatre of its time.
Promoters were skeptical about how it would be accepted by white audiences, but it became an instant hit.
Marked a turning point in black entertainment.

Langston Hughes' First Poem

1921

Published his first poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers". in 1921
Enrolled in Columbia University after and left in 1922
Spent 3 years in odd jobs
by 1924, he was well known as an American poet
This launched his career and he became well known as an author and playwright as well as for his poetry.

Civic Club Dinner

Mar 21, 1924

Publishers, magazine editors, artists and writers gathered there
In New York
Gathered to celebrate the black creative talent being cultivated
Organized by Charles S Johnson
The idea was created by the Writers' Guild which was composed of writers in Harlem including Johnson himself
Was supposed to raise awareness for new works
Members of NAACP organized this dinner
110 people came
Made sure the people attending were interracial to raise awareness
Alain Locke: the master of ceremonies

Small's Paradise opens

1925

Opened by Ed Small during a time of Prohibition
Speakeasy
Could find dancing, drinking and jazz
Many poets, athletes, artists, and entertainers were there on a regular basis
Waiters danced the Charleston while waiting tables
One of the first nightclubs to have an open door policy
Open until 1986

Louis Armstrong records his first song

Nov 12, 1925

Trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian
One of the most influential artists in jazz history
One of his most popular songs is "What a Wonderful World"
Born in New Orleans in 1901
Born in what is called the Battlefield of New Orleans because it was so poor
His first recordings were on April 5, 1923
That day he recorded his first solo on "Chimes Blues"
The first songs on his record were "My Heart" and "Cornet Chop Suey"

Stock Market crash

Oct 29, 1929

This was the beginning of the end of the Harlem Renaissance. In a single day billions of dollars were lost, which cleaned out thousands of peoples bank accounts. Even though blacks were gaining respect and moving up the chain in society, they were still the first to lose their jobs and face hunger.