The Harlem Renaissance took place in New York City in the 1920s and early 1930s. It was a time when African Americans produced a
collection of great literature, music, and art. For the first time in the history of the United States, white society began to notice African American writers, musicians, and artists. During the Harlem Renaissance, jazz and blues as sung by Bessie Smith and played by Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington filled the jazz clubs of Harlem.
Theaters on and off Broadway presented musical and dramatic works that were written and produced by African Americans. Shows featured black musicians, singers, dancers, and actors.
Two important writers of the time were Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. In their works, they addressed the African American experience.
Aaron Douglas used a “primitive” style and worked African images into his paintings. The swirling colors of some of his works created the effect of motion.
The Harlem Renaissance ended when the Great Depression struck. Still, the era lives on in its influence on modern African American writers and artists. In addition, works of the period continue to be appreciated and studied by all Americans.
Which sentence best summarizes the selection?
The Great Depression brought the Harlem Renaissance to an end.
Modern African American writers are influenced by the writers of the Harlem Renaissance.
The Harlem Renaissance was an era in which African American literature, music, and art flourished.
The Harlem Renaissance took place in New York City in the 1920s and the early 1930s.
Answer: The Great Depression brought the Harlem Renaissance to an end.
Explanation:
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States. The timing of the Great Depression varied across the world; in most countries, it started in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. It was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century. The Great Depression is commonly used as an example of how intensely the global economy can decline.
In The Great Depresssion all classes of people, and even highly educated people couldn’t find job, like doctors, teachers and others. So it is not hard to belive that The Great Depression brought the harlem Renaissance to an end.
Still that era influenced, and it is influencing African american writers and artists.
