The Harlem Renaissance was a period of time in Manhattan, New York where a movement took place that saw the revitalization of African American literature, performing arts, and illustrative creations. This effort became an essential part in debunking the continuance of the horrific ways African Americans were viewed / treated during and after the times of slavery. I will be endeavoring to discuss Harlem as a place and explain the significance this area in Manhattan, New York had during the Harlem Renaissance.

In regard to education and employment, the Harlem Renaissance gave increased opportunities for African Americans to display their intellect to the rest of the world. These chances were important for children as well because at some of the most crucial developing years in their lives they would more readily have access to valuable lessons. Though, it was realized that learning alone would not be enough. Having access to occupational prospects is also a major key, any person is in need of a job in order have money to live. This sentiment is echoed in the Opportunity Archive, January, 1925, “This work of counseling young graduates of the elementary schools showed how hopeless is training only, if no opportunity follows” (28). Then goes on to reveal how a Mrs. Elise McDougald took the results of a large – scale study of this subject to the Board of Superintendents and United States Department of Labor. The study included the professions available to African American men and women in New York City at the time. I believe this was used as a way to detail how minimally accessible jobs were. From then the findings from Mrs. McDougald’s research had been used as a great resource to implement new programs in schools and implement some positive governmental policies in the city. This reveals to me that Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance was also used as a place to display the current needs of African Americans at the time. Opportunities were scarce and making it a point to create more was of great importance.

Harlem was also a place booming with excitement, partly known for an energetic nightlife. One may also often find citizens expressing themselves or their talents on the public streets. Generally, either for entertainment or informational purposes. An enjoyable piece in the Opportunity Archives from Eunice Hunton Carter titled “The Corner” sheds light on this, illustrating the sounds and lights coming from the various clubs, businesses and cars driving by. (114) Describing a man on a soap box speaking on politics and race issues in the United States. (114) Telling of a wheel chair bound man playing a brass instrument while a passerby supports by placing money into a box or hat placed in front of him. (114). From this descriptive short story, I gather that using the streets of Harlem as a creative outlet gave many people a boost of confidence (sometimes even a chance to earn a little spending money). It could be said that Harlem was seen as a safer place to express oneself at the time.

During the Renaissance, Harlem was also viewed as a migration destination, predominantly for African American citizens. This observation was made due to the thousands upon thousands of individuals and families that uprooted their lives from Southern cities and states to New York City, to end up finding their place in Harlem. This area then became a space where African Americans could represent newfound goals, signify the intention of changing past circumstances and show involvement in creating a new type of environment. Adapting to the busy city life that awaits all who arrive. Alain Locke’s “Harlem” in Survey Graphic: Harlem, Mecca of the New Negro, proclaims a similar point of view that Harlem was the start of a much more substantial change to come: “In the drama of its new and progressive aspects, we may be witnessing the resurgence of a race ; with our eyes focused on the Harlem scene we may dramatically glimpse the New Negro” (630). With “eyes focused” on Harlem, people will see for themselves a side of African American life that was not able to be seen before. A revitalization of brilliance, talent and culture that would offer a positive new perspective built on events that occurred during the Harlem Renaissance.

After a bit of research, I came across this image of a fantastic art piece painted by a Mr. Allan Crite. It happens that the inspiration for this illustration was from a primary school out of Boston, yet, I feel that a similar attitude was present in Harlem. At the end of a school day when the children are sent home, all of the different families meeting up and enjoying each other’s company. The warm emotion from this painting gives a sense of comradery, friendship and kinship that was pertinent during the renaissance.

There are still so much more wonderful things to know and learn About Harlem.