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Harlem Renaissance Timeline

(1920s - 1930s)

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music. It took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City and had a major influence on the development of African American culture. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Social and Political Impact

Formation of the NAACP to advance colored people's interests

Feb 1909

The NAACP, founded in 1909, played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights and challenging racial discrimination, providing a platform for African American voices during the Harlem Renaissance.

Image source: NAACP

Formation of the NAACP to advance colored people's interests

Formation of the National Urban League

Sep 1910

The National Urban League, founded in 1910, played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and economic opportunities for African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.

Image source: National Urban League

Formation of the National Urban League

Harlem Riot of 1935

Mar 19, 1935

The Harlem Riot of 1935, sparked by rumors of the death of a teenage shoplifter, highlighted racial tensions and economic disparities, underscoring the need for social and political change within African American communities.

Literature

Founding of The Crisis magazine

Nov 1910

The Crisis magazine, founded by W.E.B. Du Bois, became a platform for African American writers during the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing their literary works and promoting social and political activism.

Image source: The Crisis

Founding of The Crisis magazine

Publication of "Cane" by Jean Toomer

Dec 1923

Jean Toomer's "Cane" combined poetry, prose, and drama to explore the experiences of African Americans in both rural and urban settings, becoming a seminal work of the Harlem Renaissance.

Image source: Cane (novel)

Publication of "Cane" by Jean Toomer

Publication of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Apr 1925

F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," although not directly part of the Harlem Renaissance, reflected the cultural and social dynamics of the era, exploring themes of wealth, race, and identity.

Image source: The Great Gatsby

Publication of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Publication of "The Weary Blues" by Langston Hughes

Jun 1925

Langston Hughes' poetry collection, "The Weary Blues," marked a significant contribution to the literary movement of the Harlem Renaissance, capturing the experiences and emotions of African Americans through his powerful and rhythmic verse.

Publication of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

Sep 1937

Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" explored the experiences of African American women in the South, challenging prevailing gender and racial norms.

Music and Performing Arts

Founding of the Apollo Theater

Jan 1914

The Apollo Theater, originally a burlesque venue, transformed into a renowned performance space during the Harlem Renaissance, hosting legendary African American musicians, dancers, and comedians.

Image source: Apollo Theater

Founding of the Apollo Theater

Premiere of "Shuffle Along" on Broadway

May 1921

"Shuffle Along," a groundbreaking musical written by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, became the first successful Broadway production with an African American creative team, showcasing the talents of Black performers and composers.

Image source: Shuffle Along

Premiere of "Shuffle Along" on Broadway

Premiere of "Black and Tan Fantasy" by Duke Ellington

Mar 1928

Duke Ellington's composition "Black and Tan Fantasy" showcased his innovative approach to jazz, blending classical elements with African American musical traditions and establishing him as a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Premiere of "Porgy and Bess" opera by George Gershwin

Oct 1935

George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" portrayed African American life in the fictional Catfish Row, challenging racial stereotypes and showcasing the richness of Black musical traditions.

Image source: Porgy and Bess

Premiere of "Porgy and Bess" opera by George Gershwin

Visual Arts

Exhibition of "Harlem" photographs by James Van Der Zee

Nov 1925

James Van Der Zee's photography exhibition "Harlem" captured the vibrancy and diversity of Harlem residents, providing a visual documentation of the era's cultural and social milieu.

Image source: James Van Der Zee

Exhibition of "Harlem" photographs by James Van Der Zee

Exhibition of "Aspects of Negro Life" murals by Aaron Douglas

Dec 1934

Aaron Douglas' "Aspects of Negro Life" murals depicted significant moments in African American history, celebrating Black achievements and highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality.

Exhibition of "The Migration Series" by Jacob Lawrence

Apr 1941

Jacob Lawrence's series of paintings, "The Migration Series," depicted the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North, capturing the struggles and aspirations of Black communities during this transformative period.

Image source: Migration Series

Exhibition of "The Migration Series" by Jacob Lawrence

Key Facts

  1. The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great creativity and intellectual growth for African Americans.
  2. Prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance included Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington.
  3. The movement gave rise to new forms of artistic expression, including jazz music, poetry, and literature.
  4. Harlem became the artistic and cultural center of African American life during the Harlem Renaissance.
  5. The Harlem Renaissance had a lasting impact on American culture, challenging racial stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of African American artists.

Source

This Harlem Renaissance timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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