Why Harlem, during the Harlem Renaissance, was considered to be the Mecca for the arts.
We'll be glad to comment on and add to your thoughts on this topic.
I got no idea. Except for maybe because of the rapid increase of blacks within the Harlem area(due to the great migration in which many blacks from the south moved north) and having people with powerful minds like DuBois, Garvey, Hughes and few other appear, people began to look up to Harlem as a place where African-American culture began to develop.
You have a great answer!
The word "Mecca" means a city that is revered and draws believers and pilgrims. Talented performers were drawn to Harlem to pursue their careers -- thus perpetuating Harlem as the center for African-American artists.
Thanks!
Few more questions.
Why did the time period (1920's) allow the Harlem Renaissance?/Why was it a good time for the Renaissance?
How did the writing grow out of Negro Spirituals?
And What is the Spoon River Anthology?
For the 1st one I believe that the return of the black soldiers from WWI enabled the whites to accept them a bit more. With also the rising economy there were more financial opportunities for the blacks.
For the 2nd and 3rd I got no idea.
Your answer is great.
These sites will help you answer the other two questions.
http://spiritualsproject.org/spirituals/harlem.php
http://ctl.du.edu/spirituals/Literature/harlem.cfm
http://spoonriveranthology.net/spoon/river/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_River_Anthology
During the Harlem Renaissance, Harlem was considered to be the Mecca for the arts due to several factors. First and foremost, Harlem was a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in New York City with a large African American population. Many African Americans had migrated from the South to escape racial oppression and find better opportunities in the North during the early 20th century.
1. Cultural Identity and Pride: Harlem became a center of cultural identity and pride for African Americans who sought to celebrate their heritage and reclaim their history. Artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals found inspiration in the rich African American cultural traditions, music, dance, literature, and visual arts, and incorporated them into their works.
2. Intellectual and Artistic Community: Harlem became a haven for intellectuals, artists, and creative thinkers. This community of like-minded individuals provided a supportive environment for artistic growth and collaboration. Poets, writers, and scholars would gather in venues such as the Harlem Writers' Guild, where they would discuss and critique each other's work.
3. Institutions and Establishments: Institutions such as the Harlem YMCA and the Harlem Branch of the New York Public Library hosted lectures, exhibitions, and performances that allowed artists to showcase their talents. The branches of the National Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Harlem also provided platforms for artists to express themselves.
4. Nightclubs and Music Venues: Harlem was famous for its vibrant nightlife scene. Nightclubs such as the Cotton Club, the Apollo Theater, and the Savoy Ballroom provided spaces for jazz musicians, singers, and dancers to showcase their talents. These venues attracted audiences from all backgrounds, leading to a fusion of different cultures and artistic influences.
5. Literary and Artistic Works: Harlem Renaissance artists produced a wealth of influential literary works, such as Langston Hughes' poetry and Zora Neale Hurston's novels. Their writings emphasized the African American experience and challenged existing racial stereotypes. Artists also created visually powerful works, such as those of Aaron Douglas, who used art to convey the struggle for racial equality and celebrate African American culture.
To find more detailed information about Harlem as the Mecca for the arts during the Harlem Renaissance, you can refer to books, scholarly articles, and documentaries on the topic. These resources often provide deeper insights, specific examples, and quotes from artists involved in the movement. Libraries, academic databases, or online platforms dedicated to the Harlem Renaissance are great places to start your research. Additionally, visiting museums, cultural centers, and galleries might offer exhibits or collections related to this artistic movement.