920s and early 1930s. The men and women who participated in the movement shared little but a consciousness that they were part of a new awakening of African-American culture and creativity; other than that, what bonded them together was a pride in their racial heritage, an essentially midle-class background. Also, they all were connect!
             ed to Harlem; and Harlem at that time, was emerging as the cultural, intellectual, and political center of black America (Baker 54). These African Americans saw a need to develop a black literature. They thought that African-Americans should read some things written by their own people, things that might inspire them. They had a theory that Blacks would never be white men and they must realize that there are certain things in the Negro race worth developing. They knew that they would never be a George Washington or a Thomas Jefferson- they would remain a part of the Negro race. Literature would give them the inspiration they needed to be like Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. If they could contribute to the world what those men have then they will have no reason to regret not being a George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. A tiny contribution would get them much
             further in life. They will still be identified with some of the greatest men who have ever appeared in the hi
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