During the Great Migration that took place from 1910 to 1970, millions of African Americans fled from the south and moved north in search of the American dream. New York was one of the main destinations for these southern migrants and there is where they ushered in the creative revolution known as the Harlem Renaissance. For over a decade black writers, poets, musicians, and artists flocked to Harlem, New York; making it the ideal location for the artistically inclined African American. New York urban geography is important because it was there that African American artists, writers, and musicians achieved commercial success in their crafts. The Harlem renaissance was responsible for the success of poets such as Langston Hughes, musicians such as Louis Armstrong, and artists such as Aaron Douglas.
1. Pride- This term relates to African American literature that conveyed a sense nationalism for the place that they were from. When African Americans made it to the North during the Great Migration they were satisfied with their new lives and new environment and so they displayed this pride in their literature.
Text Excerpt: My City by James Weldon- "To be dead, and never again behold my city!"
In this line James Weldon dramatically expresses that one of the biggest draw backs of him dying will be the fact that he can no longer bask in the greatness of his city, The importance placed on his city shows that Weldon had pride in his environment.
2. Optimism- Since even before the emancipation of slaves optimism has been rooted in African American culture. On plantations slaves would sing songs that spoke of their anticipation of freedom as well as their hope for its swift arrival.
Langston Hughes conveys a sense of Optimism in his Poem titled "I too" where he writes, "Tomorrow,I'll be at the table When company comes." which means he will soon be respected and appreciated.
Text Excerpt: I Too by Langston Hughes- "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes."
In this line Langston Hughes expresses his hope for more respect and appreciation in the future most likely from white America. The table can be considered as a metaphor for a better environment and better opportunities as opposed to the scraps that were being handed to him at the time.
3. Irony- Although many blacks where leaving the south during the great migration in order to find a better life, It was very ironic to see that life was also hard for them in the north some were still poor and unappreciated.
Text Excerpt: The 4th of July & Racist Outrages by Paul Laurence Dunbar- "Like the same dark cloud, industrial prejudice glooms above us in the North"
Paul Dunbar in this line speaks of the Irony of how the same injustices and struggles that African Americans faced in the South were also experienced in the North. This was ironic because the north was always depicted as the promise land for Negros when in reality the experiences of migrators varied when it came to living standards as opposed to the south.
4. Inhumane- Whites treated African Americans with hatred and violence, Negros were mistreated by white Americans and were so under valued that they were barely considered humans this was made obvious through laws such as the three fourths rule and the Black codes. This term is important to black Urban geography because all this hatred and inhumane treatment influenced black culture and inspired African American art during the Harlem renaissance.
Text Excerpt: Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin- "This car was full of white men. They was all drunk. And when they seen your fathers brother they let out a great whoop and holler and they aimed the car straight at him."
In this line James Baldwin depicts a scenario that serves as a perfect example of how whites treated African American during the time period. The fact that James Baldwin includes this in his story shows that real life situations similar to the one he writes about influenced him.
5. White Infiltration- When whites realized black culture sold and made money, they too wanted to participate in the success. Whites were even known to write slave narrative when the art became popular and would disguise themselves as former black slaves.
Text Excerpt: Will The Circle be Unbroken by Henry Dumas- "Outside the Sound Barrier Club 3 White people were opening the door."
In this line Henry Dumas uses the metaphor of White people entering a black speak easy to convey the infiltration of whites into black culture. Although in his story the whites do make it into the speak easy they soon die because they are not authentic.
6. Migration- This term is by far the most important because many African Americans were risking their lives escaping from slave masters and migrating from the south to the north which ultimately resulted in the renaissance of black culture.
Text Excerpt: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Dougla** by Frederick Dougla**- "In the early part of the year 1838, I became quite restless. I could see no reason why I should, at the end of each week, pour the reward of my toil into the purse of my master."
In this excerpt Dougla** speaks of the reason why he decided to flee Maryland and migrate to the north. Dougla**'s reason was similar to many blacks that were migrating to the north in order to rid themselves of their white oppressors in the south.