Harlem Renaissance

1. The Harlem Renaissance took place from 1920 to 1930 in New York.
2.  At the end of World War I there was a movement from the African American culture to have their arts taken seriously.

3. After the large movement of blacks to the North during the civil war, many of them had the opportunities for jobs and education.

4. This gave way to a time of inspiration and artistic expression.

5. This period was important because many black artists especially in literature were published.

6. There was a raising of racial pride among the people after the oppressive past of their culture.

7. The renaissance was characterized by the black movement - not much else.

8. The Great Depression marked the end of the heart of the renaissance because of lack of financial aid.

9. Some great artist of the times continued on with their work.

10. Most notably: Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith.

Langston Hughes

1. Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902 and died May 22, 1967.

2. He was a poet, short-story writer, novelist, and dramatist.

3. He put rhythm from the Harlem Renaissance into some of his poetry.

4. He received a scholarship to a university in Pennsylvania after publishing his first volume of poetry.

5. His works continued past the end of the renaissance.

Duke Ellington

2. He was born April 29, 1899 and died May 24, 1974.

3. He was born in Washington, D.C.

4. He was a jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist.
5. He wrote a song with a vocal part, but no words.
6. He wrote over 2,000 pieces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDQpZT3GhDg
Above is a recording of his music.

Bessie Smith

1. She was a singer called "Empress of the Blues".
2. One of the early blues singers financially helped her begin her career.
3. She earned $2,000 a week and was extremely successful.
4. She died when 'video killed the radio star', and early music videos gained popularity.
5. She suffered alcoholism.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MzU8xM99Uo

Works Cited:

"Bessie Smith." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Hasse, John Edward. "Duke Ellington." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

"Langston Hughes." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Wintz, Cary DeCordova. "Harlem Renaissance." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.