The Harlem Renaissance Was a Movement in the 1920S That Looked to Showcase the Talents

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The Harlem Renaissance was a movement in the 1920s that looked to showcase the talents of African-American writers, artists, and musicians. However, the greater value of the Harlem Renaissance is that blacks began to value themselves as important to society and developed a strong sense of self-esteem. Likewise, whites started to pay attention to the contributions and talents of Harlem Renaissance artisans.

1)  In Langston Hughes’, “I, Too, Sing America,” why does the narrator think that whites will feel “ashamed” in the future”

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2)  Gwendolyn Brooks wrote “We Real Cool” in the 1920s, but the poem is still relevant today. Explain why this is.

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3)  Aaron Douglas’ painting, “Study for God’s Trombones,” is perhaps the most famous single piece of art created during the Harlem Renaissance. Explain two separate messages conveyed by this work.

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4)  The 1920’s are famous for the development of jazz, and in fact are sometimes called “The Jazz Age.” When listening to jazz, describe the kind of feel this type of music creates within the listener. Explain if this feeling has anything in common with what is happening in America in the 1920s

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Jazz can, on occassion, take on a very sorrowful, pained sound. Listen to Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit and read along with the lyrics.

Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday

Southern trees bear strange fruit,

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,

Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,

Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant south,

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,

Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,

Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.

Here is the fruit for the crows to pluck,

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,

For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,

Here is a strange and bitter crop.

5)  Why is there “Strange Fruit” hanging from the trees in the American South?

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6)  The Harlem Renaissance is an arts-based movement. How are the arts (music, art, writing) influential?

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7)  Please give an example of the arts having an influence in society today.

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