Johnathan Harris - Black Art in Response and as Inspiration lyrics

Typically seen as the birth of African American culture and arts , the Harlem Renaissance involved more than just the advent of black aethetics; the art responded to a series of events, proving black America more complex, diverse, and insightful than the world credited. For example, the end of World War I, the first war African Americans fought alongside white America as free men, sparked a slew of controversial material from black America as the population entered consciousness. The reintegration of black soldiers into society fueled existing outrages towards segregation laws, racism, and the hypocritical freedom they were “given” in the 19th century. In this timeline I will expose the duality of black art like "If We Must Die" and historical events like the Red Summer, and connect this genesis of black identity and consciousness to modern art and ideologies. 1909 - In response to growing hostilities and racial outrage, many prominent African Americans of the early 20th century formed The Nation Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This organization, whose mission is to help eradicate racial injustices, continues to have a prominent presence in the United States today. "... the attitude of the of the imprisoned group may take three main forms, - a feeling of revolt and revenge; an attempt to adjust all thought and action to the will of the greater group; or, finally, a determined effort at self-realization and self-development despite environing opinion” - "The Souls of Black Folks" by W.E.B Dubois (1903) 1915 - This year is generally thought to be the start of the Great Migration, a period in which African Americans migrate from the south to the north by the thousands to procure jobs in the growing industrial market. This eventually leads to a change in black identity. "I am tired of work; I am tired of building up somebody else's civilization. Let us take a rest, M'Lissy jane." - "Tired" by Fenton Johnson (1919) 1917 - Marcus Garvey, a culture hero, starts the first United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) outside Jamaica. Garvey's presence and deeds producedGarveyism, a parent ideology to more modern black pride ideologies. "For blackness was ancient ere whiteness began. I am daubing God in night, I am swabbing Hell for white: I am the Smoke King I am black." -"The Song of Smoke" by W.E.B Dubois (1907) 1919 - Throughout the summer and into the early fall of 1919, racial riots consumed much of the United States. In many cases, whites initiated the violence against African Americans causing the black consciousness to unite against them. “If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot. If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain” - "If We Must Die" by Claude McKay (1919) 1922 - William Leo Hansberry begins the first African American history and civilizations program at Howard University. Over the years Hansberry expanded the creative domain by collecting a vast amount of African American history and literature, and taught many students from around the world. "It comes to the individual, the race, the nation, once in a life-time to decide upon the course to be pursued as a career. The hour has now struck for the indivudual Negro, as well as the entire race, to decide the course that will now be pursued in the interest of our own liberty." - "The Future as I See It" by Marcus Garvey (1922) 1929 - The United States Stock Market crashed and sennt the country into the first Great Depression. Thousands of Americans lost their jobs, homes, and security. “What? You gonna get eviction orders? You gonna cut off my heat? You gonna take my furniture and Throw it in the street? Um – huh? You talking high and mighty. Talk on – till you get through.” -"Ballad of the Landlord" by Langston Hughes (1926) 1935 - Harlem's first riot, The Harlem Race Riot, erupted. While not the worst riot in terms of d**hs, hundreds were injured and millions of dollars in damages was exacted. “Think you I am not fiend and savage too? Think you I could not arm me with a gun And shoot down ten of you for every one Of my black brothers murdered, burnt by you? Be not deceived, for every deed you do I could match – out-match” - "To the White Friends," a poem by Claude McKay (1917) 1938 - The Supreme Court in Missouri Ex Rel. Gaines v. Canada ruled any state offering in-state education for a white person must also offer comparable in-state education for a colored person. “They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, 'Eat in the Kitchen,' Then." - "I, Too" by Langston Hughes (1925)