New Negro Movement

Definition

The New Negro Movement was a cultural and social revolution among African Americans during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s. It emphasized racial pride, cultural self-expression, and the promotion of African American arts, literature, and political engagement, serving as a response to the racial discrimination and oppression faced by the Black community. This movement laid the groundwork for the Harlem Renaissance, marking a significant shift in how African Americans viewed themselves and their place in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Negro Movement was largely fueled by the Great Migration, where many African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers like Harlem, seeking better opportunities and escaping oppressive conditions.
2. One of its key elements was the promotion of a new sense of pride among African Americans, moving away from the stereotypes propagated by Jim Crow laws and celebrating their cultural heritage.
3. The movement encouraged collaboration between artists, intellectuals, and political activists to create a strong voice advocating for civil rights and racial equality.
4. A hallmark of the New Negro Movement was its embrace of modernism, which influenced various art forms including literature, jazz music, and visual arts.
5. The impact of the New Negro Movement can be seen in various publications like 'The Crisis,' published by the NAACP, which became a significant platform for discussing racial issues and promoting African American talent.

Review Questions

• How did the New Negro Movement contribute to changing perceptions of African American identity during its time?
  • The New Negro Movement played a crucial role in reshaping perceptions of African American identity by fostering racial pride and self-expression. It encouraged individuals to embrace their cultural heritage while challenging stereotypes propagated by systemic racism. This shift was evident in literature, art, and music, as artists began to portray authentic representations of Black life instead of conforming to negative stereotypes. The movement helped to build a collective identity that emphasized strength and creativity within the African American community.
• In what ways did key figures like Langston Hughes and Marcus Garvey influence the objectives of the New Negro Movement?
  • Langston Hughes and Marcus Garvey were instrumental in shaping the objectives of the New Negro Movement through their distinct approaches. Hughes used his poetry and writings to celebrate Black culture and articulate the struggles faced by African Americans. His works became symbols of hope and resistance during this era. In contrast, Garvey's emphasis on Black nationalism sought to empower African Americans by advocating for self-reliance and pride in their heritage. Together, their contributions helped galvanize support for civil rights initiatives while promoting an assertive cultural identity.
• Evaluate how the New Negro Movement set the stage for future civil rights movements in America.
  • The New Negro Movement laid essential groundwork for future civil rights movements by creating a foundation of cultural pride, political engagement, and community organization among African Americans. Its emphasis on racial dignity challenged societal norms and inspired subsequent generations to continue advocating for equality. Additionally, the movement's celebration of Black artistry and intellectualism raised awareness about racial injustices. The alliances formed among artists, activists, and intellectuals during this time ultimately contributed to a more organized approach in later civil rights efforts aimed at dismantling systemic racism in America.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, artistic, and social explosion that took place in Harlem during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American art, literature, music, and intellectual thought.

Langston Hughes:

An influential poet and social activist of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his works that celebrated African American culture and identity while addressing social issues.

Marcus Garvey: A prominent leader of the New Negro Movement who advocated for Black nationalism, self-reliance, and the establishment of a global African identity through the Universal Negro Improvement Association.