THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE

During The Great Migration, most migrants found themselves segregated and placed in run down urban slums. The largest of these was Harlem. Writers, actors, artists, and musicians all endured hardships, but captivated others through their art. The Harlem Renaissance was a literary, artistic, and intellectual movement that sparked a new black cultural identity.

Black writers were finally being recognized, including famous writer Langston Hughes.
Thousands of city dwellers went out at night to here jazz bands play.
Harlem's Cotton Club boasted the talents of Duke ellington. Singers such as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday popularized blues and jazz vocals.