The Harlem Renaissance: A Revolution of Words, Art, and Activism
Speaker: Kathy Trusty
Suitable for Schools · Grades 4–12
Culture & Identity • Art & Music Studies • Literature & Language • History
The Harlem Renaissance was a period of rich African American artistic and cultural activity. This program explores the Harlem Renaissance and its significance in American history and Black culture. It discusses key figures and their contributions to art, literature, music and theater, along with the rise of Black pride, self-expression, and artistic freedom.
The Harlem Renaissance School Program
This program introduces students to the people, art, literature, music and ideas that helped shape the Harlem Renaissance. Students will discover how this important period influenced American culture and created new opportunities for Black artists and performers whose work continues to inspire us today.
This program is available for students in grades 4-12. Teachers and coordinators may select the topic most appropriate for their students:
Presentations and activities can be adapted to meet the age, grade level, and learning needs of each group.
Topics
- Harlem and the Great Migration: Building a New Black Community
- Writers and Poets: Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, Alice Dunbar Nelson
- Visual Artists: Aaron Douglas, Augusta Savage
- Music and Entertainment: Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and others
- Harlem Through the Camera: Photography of James Van Der Zee
Activities
- Moving North: Students examine a map of the Great Migration. Trace movement from the South. Where did they go? Why?
- Poetry Detective: Read and analyze a poem. What does the writer mean? What are they feeling?
- Harlem Through the Camera: Examine photographs by James Van Der Zee. What are the photos telling you about life in Harlem during the Renaissance?
- What Do You See? Explore Aaron Douglas’s paintings “Aspects of a Negro Life.” Identify people, objects and symbols. Discuss what the artist is communicating.
- Listen to the Blues: What is Bessie Smith telling us?