Creativity In The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance remains one of the most momentous creative movements in American history, exceeding its original importance to one specific interest group and hence cannot be looked upon simply as a convenient metaphor. This essay will show that in addition to the eruption of creativity, the Harlem Renaissance should be acknowledged for its significant contribution to changing the self-perception of the Negro in America in such a positive and significant way that eventually transformed the Harlem Renaissance into the Civil Rights Movement of the 1940’s and changed the identity of America forever.
The renaissance served to create a perception of distinctiveness among African Americans, at the same time, compelling white America to acknowledge the significance of an ethnic group far too long seen as inferior. The Harlem Renaissance may be defined as an eruption of creativity overflowing from the gifted minds of African-Americans between the 1920s and 1930s; though in truth, it was the center of focus for the radicalization and politicization of a marginalized populace as much as it was an artistic movement. Even though mostly considered an
They also sought to break free of Victorian ethical values and conformist shame about aspects of their lives that might strengthen racist opinions by whites. Never controlled by a specific school of thought but rather characterized by powerful debates, this movement laid the foundation for all later African American literature and had a huge influence on succeeding black literature and consciousness internationally. While the Harlem Renaissance was certainly not restricted to New York City, Harlem enticed a significant concentration of intellect and talent; therefore, it served as the symbolic capital of cultural