RSSIn the early 1920’s, many African Americans from the South migrated to Harlem. They set off for Harlem to seek for greener pastures and to uncover more opportunities. Indeed, Harlem was a great influence and significance to the African American Culture.
During the Great Depression, African Americans were left with no choices. They were insolently put into slavery, had curfews, and were deprived of so many human rights. Jim Crow, along with the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) together with further white mobs were thought to have started the slavery of the African Americans. They were believed to be the ones responsible for the execution of the blacks for so many years. Hence, the Harlem Renaissance occurred during the Jim Crow Laws. However, The Freedman’s Bureau exerted adequate hard work to help African Americans gain back their right to political enfranchisement, economic opportunity and education.
Lifestyle in Harlem became exciting although very expensive as well. People were troubled with the increase of rooms and apartment rentals. But majority of the Harlem community had high-paid jobs like doctors, artists, writers, musicians, dancers, actors, and the like. Definitely, their high earnings sufficed the high cost of living in Harlem.
In 1920’s, liquors were forbidden all over the United States. Consequently, during the Harlem Rebirth, Jazz Music became very well-known. The blacks carried on with them the Jazz Blues during the Great Migration, and it became a great significance and pride ever since. Moreover, women were given much privilege to perform, such as Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith who stepped up against discrimination. Smith was famously recognized as Empress of the Blues. Holiday became a big hit in the year 1930’s. While in 1920’s, Josephine Baker made her voice known in New York City to get away from racism. Indeed, a large group of women put up their own names in the music industry during this rough time.
Along with the rising popularity of jazz music, was the rise of the Ballroom Era. Savoy Ballroom was founded by Moe Paddon in the early 20’s and started its operation in New York. But only 15% of the whites appreciated this new introduction. Soon enough, the Swing Era was born, and a lot of people came on different nights. Due to the increasing need of the Harlem community for party places, various night clubs eventually operated. Then diverse dances made their way to America like the Lidy Hop and Cha-Cha. Accordingly, varied dance moves and music became very popular in the neighborhood of Harlem.
As a result, a big aspect of the African American culture was engrossed in the American culture. Segregation and racism started to fade away resulting to the unification of blacks and whites. White people were on track with the music of the blacks, and tried to blend with the other factors of the blacks’ existence in Harlem.
Beyond doubt, Harlem Renaissance was a great period for African Americans to experience life in an entirely different manner. It was a grand era of brand new talent and music. Although alcoholic beverages were prohibited, people still sought ways to obtain them in times of gatherings and good times. Certainly, the blacks felt a sense of happiness and freedom during Harlem Renaissance.