The Harlem Renaissance at IUS

This video discusses murals that were painted inside of Harlem Hospital in 1936 and the great lengths that preservationists have gone to since then to keep the paintings revitalized. It is thought that the murals stand as a reminder of where African Americans have come from in terms of their struggles, and preserving these artworks within Harlem Hospital symbolizes their resilience to discrimination. Many of the murals were done by famous Harlem painter, Aaron Douglas.

Minstrel shows were common performances in the mid/late 1800s and into the early 1900s. The rise of the Harlem Renaissance slowly began to push minstrel shows out of favor. The use of black face was being phased out as well as it created displeasure within the growing African American art community.

This article discusses the history of the use of black actors and actresses in performance. For much of history, black figures were portrayed by white actors painted in black face. For a more authentic representation of blackness, black actors began performing on stage. Beginning in the 1910s and lasting through the 1930s, these black performers were considered a great success at the box office.

This article discusses the history of the use of black actors and actresses in performance. For much of history, black figures were portrayed by white actors painted in black face. For a more authentic representation of blackness, black actors began performing on stage. Beginning in the 1910s and lasting through the 1930s, these black performers were considered a great success at the box office.

This article discusses the importance of Harlem nightlife and its ability to blur the race line for the sake of dance and music. White patrons sometimes mingled in black clubs just to get a taste of the music and atmosphere. 110th street was the setting for this unique dance scene. These parties would last well through the night.

The Harlem Opera Theater still exists and still gives its audience a chance to view Harlem as it was during the flourishing 1920s. Tickets are sold today for performances that present Harlem life as it was experienced during the Renaissance. Voodoo, posted above was the first African American opera performance ever performed on Broadway. The Harlem Opera Theater is recreating its historic 1928 production.

Rao's was founded in the late 1800s and began serving customers at 114th street. Rao's has since expanded to other cities across the country, but its original New York location is said to be one of the most difficult reservations to get in the country. Rao's remembers its roots and tries to replicate the feel of the Harlem Renaissance within its diner. Italian food is most popular on the menu.

Douglas is known for his murals, as well as for being the first African American to earn an accredited art degree, graduating from University of Nebraska in 1922. He worked as a high school teacher for a few years, then moved to Harlem to paint. 

While Torrence isn't widely known for this work, he also organized the National Survey for Negro Theater in 1939. 

The Club was located in the theater district at 142nd and Lenox Ave. It was a whites only venue and was known to house tons of racist art and imagery. The Club was shut down in later years after several race riots took place.

I just bought this children's book based on the life of Florence Mills, a famous singer and dancer of the Harlem Renaissance. She was born to parents who had been slaves and made it to Broadway during the 1920's. Her voice was know for its sweet birdlike quality. I am excited to share this book with my son so he can learn of the era we have been studying all semester. The book was on sale at our university bookstore for under $4.

"Boardwalk Empire" was one of my favorite shows. It recently ended after its 5th season. This article complains that an African American character named Dr. Narcisse is represented as an avid supporter of Marcus Garvey because this character is also a gangster involved in the Harlem drug trade and other illicit activities. The article claims that they are tarnishing Garvey's character by associating him with such a character. I, however, do not agree entirely. Dr. Narcisse is a supporter of Garvey, but the show does not say Garvey is in anyway associated with Narcisse's illicit dealings. In addition to being a criminal, Dr. Narcisse is a well educated man and also has his hand in the music and night club scene. He is portrayed as being a kingpin. Gangsters often reach a point of prominence where they begin associating with other prominent people such as political figures. Also Garvey does not have the cleanest reputation himself. Not that he is in anyway associated with drugs, but he was found as a fraud. After seeing how the show played out I wonder if there were many complaints because there was not much more mention of Garvey after this episode, yet it sounds like they had planned more for him.

Also on the subject of "Boardwalk Empire" I wanted to post this preview for the show that centers around several of its African American characters. What I love most about this show is the attention to historical detail that is seen in the sets and costumes. I have said before that this show does not have to be good because it looks so good, but it really is good. I like this clip because we see some of the styles of elite African Americans of the era as well as nightclub scenes which we learned so much about in discussing music and literature such as Home to Harlem that delves into the nightclub life.

While this essay was first published later than the era we have studied, 1943, it was written by Langston Hughes whom we have studied at length. Also it was written in response to the 1943 riots in Harlem over a white police officer shooting and wounding a black soldier. I found it quite relevant with what is going on today with the Eric Garner and Michael Brown case. The essay asks the reader to simply realize that if they are not poor, black, and living in Harlem then they should not judge or even begin to think they understand the plight of these rioters. He juxtaposes the rich area of Harlem verses the poor area. The imagery to me was the Harlem of Passing verses the Harlem of Home to Harlem. The homes, lifestyles, and businesses were just as they were in the novels we read. This is certainly a worthwhile read.

This page discusses the different types of literature from the Harlem Renaissance and some of their authors.

This site shows paintings from the Harlem Renaissance as well as discusses a book that goes more in depth to them.