Harlem Renisance

The Harlem Renaissance transformed African-American identity and history, but it also transformed American culture in general. From this came the racial pride that Dubois called for so many times. It was as if the people were expressing their newfound vocalism any way possible. "One ever feels his two-ness - an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unrecognized stirrings: two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder. Leaders of the Movement If this movement could be said to have any definite leaders, they would be Alain Locke, and W. Locke described this movement in The New Negro as “something like a spiritual emancipation. ”(The New Negro) Increased contact between races at all levels of society would provide something of a safeguard against rising racial tensions. "(The Souls of Black Folks)

Themes and Styles the theme of alienation ran rampant through the works of the greats listed above as well as most of the other authors and artists of the time. Alain Locke, often called the “midwife and mentor” to the movement, was a sociologist, critic, and author. Dubois introduced the notion of “two ness”, a divided awareness of one’s identity. He further believed that his people could not achieve social equality by emulating white ideals; that equality could be achieved only by teaching Black racial pride with an emphasis on an African cultural heritage. It has long been considered by many to be the high point in African American writing. Add to this a whole new white audience frequenting Harlem nightclubs, and black culture began to receive serious critical attention from white intellectuals.