The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance happened in the 1920s and 1930s. It took place in a part of New York City called Harlem. African American artists, writers, and musicians created amazing work. This time helped change American culture. It showed the world the talent of Black artists.

Music and Dance

Jazz music became very popular during the Harlem Renaissance. Famous musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong played in Harlem clubs. People danced to new styles like the Charleston. The Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom were famous places to hear music.

Three women pose in Harlem during a time of great art.
Three women pose in Harlem during a time of great art. (Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons)

Writers and Artists

Writers like Langston Hughes wrote beautiful poems about Black life. Zora Neale Hurston wrote stories about African American culture. Painters created art showing the pride and struggles of Black Americans. Their work is still read and shown today.

Fun Facts

  • Langston Hughes is one of the most famous American poets ever.
  • Jazz was sometimes called 'the devil's music' by people who did not like it.
  • Harlem was home to over 175,000 African Americans during this time.

Did You Know?

The Harlem Renaissance helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement many years later.