The Harlem Renaissance: Driving Social Change Through Art

This research paper explores how the Harlem Renaissance changed social norms by promoting creativity and expression through art. The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African Americans began to assert their culture and identity. This newfound confidence led to a blossoming of the arts, with new styles of music, painting, and literature emerging from the black community. This paper will argue that the Harlem Renaissance had a profound impact on social change by giving voice to a previously marginalized group and promoting creativity and expression as a means of asserting one's identity.

The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great creative output from the black community in America. It is often considered to have begun in 1918, with the return of black soldiers from World War I, and ended around 1935. During this time, there was a significant migration of blacks from the rural south to the urban north, which led to a concentration of African Americans in cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit. This migration coincided with a growing economic prosperity among blacks, as well as a newfound confidence in their cultural identity.

This newfound confidence was reflected in the arts, with black artists creating works that celebrated African American culture and challenged white notions of what art should be. Jazz music, for instance, became hugely popular during the Harlem Renaissance. It was seen as a distinctly black form of expression, and its popularity helped to break down racial barriers. Similarly, the paintings of Aaron Douglas and other black artists challenged traditional ideas about art by incorporating African influences and themes.

The Harlem Renaissance also had a significant impact on social change. Through their art, black artists were able to promote a positive image of African Americans and challenge negative stereotypes. They also helped to foster a sense of pride and community among blacks. The Harlem Renaissance was therefore instrumental in driving social change by promoting creativity and expression among African Americans.