Key Figures of the Harlem Renaissance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 16 views

The Rise of the "New Negro" and the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s, was a pivotal moment in African American history. It was a time of great creativity, innovation, and self-expression, as Black individuals sought to redefine their identity and assert their place in American society. At the heart of this movement was the concept of the "New Negro," a term that was popularized by several key figures. In this article, we will explore the origins of the term "New Negro," the Harlem Renaissance, and how Black individuals gained a new identity during this period.

Who Made the Term "New Negro" Popular?

The term "New Negro" was first coined by Hubert Harrison, a Black writer and activist, in 1917. However, it was Alain Locke, a philosopher and critic, who made the term popular in his 1925 essay "The New Negro: An Interpretation." Locke's essay was a collection of writings by various Black artists, writers, and intellectuals, and it helped to define the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. Locke's vision of the "New Negro" was one of a confident, self-assured individual who was determined to assert their place in American society.

What Was the Harlem Renaissance?

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s. It was a time of great creativity and innovation, as Black individuals sought to express themselves through art, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression. The movement was characterized by a sense of optimism and hope, as Black individuals sought to redefine their identity and assert their place in American society.

The Harlem Renaissance was not just a cultural movement, but also a social and political one. It was a time of great activism and protest, as Black individuals sought to challenge the racist and discriminatory policies of the time. The movement was led by a number of key figures, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Countee Cullen, who were all committed to promoting the arts and challenging racism.

How Did Black Individuals Gain a New Identity?

During the Harlem Renaissance, Black individuals gained a new identity through a number of different means. One of the most important was the development of a new sense of self-awareness and self-respect. Black individuals began to see themselves as equals, rather than as inferior to whites. This new sense of self-awareness was reflected in the art and literature of the time, which often celebrated the beauty and dignity of Black life.

Another way in which Black individuals gained a new identity was through the development of a new sense of community and solidarity. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great migration, as Black individuals moved from the rural South to the urban North in search of better opportunities. This migration created a sense of community and solidarity among Black individuals, who came together to support one another and to promote their shared interests.

What Was the "New Black International"?

The "New Black International" was a term coined by the poet and critic Sterling Brown in 1937. It referred to a new generation of Black intellectuals and artists who were committed to promoting the arts and challenging racism. The "New Black International" was characterized by a sense of globalism and internationalism, as Black individuals sought to connect with one another across national borders and to promote a shared sense of Black identity.

The "New Black International" was also characterized by a sense of radicalism and activism, as Black individuals sought to challenge the racist and discriminatory policies of the time. This movement was led by a number of key figures, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston, who were all committed to promoting the arts and challenging racism.

The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal moment in African American history, a time of great creativity, innovation, and self-expression. The concept of the "New Negro" was at the heart of this movement, and it helped to define the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. Through the development of a new sense of self-awareness and self-respect, a new sense of community and solidarity, and a new sense of globalism and internationalism, Black individuals gained a new identity during this period. The "New Black International" was a key part of this movement, and it continues to inspire and influence Black individuals today.

Key Figures of the Harlem Renaissance

Langston Hughes: A poet and playwright who was one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
Zora Neale Hurston: A writer and anthropologist who was known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God."
Countee Cullen: A poet and playwright who was one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
Alain Locke: A philosopher and critic who was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
W.E.B. Du Bois: A sociologist and activist who was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
Sterling Brown: A poet and critic who coined the term "New Black International."

Timeline of the Harlem Renaissance

1917: Hubert Harrison coins the term "New Negro."
1925: Alain Locke publishes his essay "The New Negro: An Interpretation."
1920s: The Harlem Renaissance begins to take shape, with the development of a new sense of self-awareness and self-respect among Black individuals.
1930s: The Harlem Renaissance reaches its peak, with the publication of a number of important works of literature and art.
1937: Sterling Brown coins the term "New Black International."
1940s: The Harlem Renaissance begins to decline, as the Great Depression and World War II take their toll on the Black community.

Sources

Locke, Alain. "The New Negro: An Interpretation." (1925)
Harrison, Hubert. "The New Negro." (1917)
Brown, Sterling. "The New Black International." (1937)
Du Bois, W.E.B. "The Souls of Black Folk." (1903)
Hurston, Zora Neale. "Their Eyes Were Watching God." (1937)
Hughes, Langston. "The Weary Blues." (1926)
Q&A: The Harlem Renaissance and the "New Negro"

Q: What was the Harlem Renaissance?

A: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s. It was a time of great creativity and innovation, as Black individuals sought to express themselves through art, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression.

Q: Who were some of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance?

A: Some of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance included Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, Alain Locke, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Sterling Brown. These individuals were all committed to promoting the arts and challenging racism.

Q: What was the "New Negro"?

A: The "New Negro" was a term coined by Hubert Harrison in 1917. It referred to a new generation of Black individuals who were confident, self-assured, and determined to assert their place in American society.

Q: How did the "New Negro" differ from the old Negro?

A: The "New Negro" differed from the old Negro in several ways. The old Negro was often seen as inferior, submissive, and lacking in self-respect. In contrast, the "New Negro" was confident, self-assured, and determined to assert their place in American society.

Q: What were some of the key themes of the Harlem Renaissance?

A: Some of the key themes of the Harlem Renaissance included the search for identity, the struggle for equality, and the celebration of Black culture. These themes were reflected in the art, literature, and music of the time.

Q: How did the Harlem Renaissance impact American society?

A: The Harlem Renaissance had a significant impact on American society. It helped to challenge racist and discriminatory policies, and it promoted a greater understanding and appreciation of Black culture.

Q: What was the "New Black International"?

A: The "New Black International" was a term coined by Sterling Brown in 1937. It referred to a new generation of Black intellectuals and artists who were committed to promoting the arts and challenging racism.

Q: How did the "New Black International" differ from the old Black International?

A: The "New Black International" differed from the old Black International in several ways. The old Black International was often seen as narrow and exclusive, while the "New Black International" was more inclusive and global in its scope.

Q: What were some of the key figures of the "New Black International"?

A: Some of the key figures of the "New Black International" included W.E.B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Sterling Brown. These individuals were all committed to promoting the arts and challenging racism.

Q: What was the significance of the Harlem Renaissance?

A: The Harlem Renaissance was a significant moment in African American history, a time of great creativity, innovation, and self-expression. It helped to challenge racist and discriminatory policies, and it promoted a greater understanding and appreciation of Black culture.

Locke, Alain. "The New Negro: An Interpretation." (1925)
Harrison, Hubert. "The New Negro." (1917)
Brown, Sterling. "The New Black International." (1937)
Du Bois, W.E.B. "The Souls of Black Folk." (1903)
Hurston, Zora Neale. "Their Eyes Were Watching God." (1937)
Hughes, Langston. "The Weary Blues." (1926)

Q: What was the Harlem Renaissance? A: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s.
Q: Who were some of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance? A: Some of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance included Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, Alain Locke, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Sterling Brown.
Q: What was the "New Negro"? A: The "New Negro" was a term coined by Hubert Harrison in 1917, referring to a new generation of Black individuals who were confident, self-assured, and determined to assert their place in American society.
Q: How did the Harlem Renaissance impact American society? A: The Harlem Renaissance had a significant impact on American society, helping to challenge racist and discriminatory policies and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of Black culture.