New Negro Movement

Definition

The New Negro Movement was a cultural, social, and political push during the early 20th century that emphasized pride in African American identity and heritage. It arose in response to the oppression faced by Black Americans and aimed to redefine the image of African Americans through artistic expression, advocacy for civil rights, and the promotion of racial equality. This movement significantly influenced the Harlem Renaissance, encouraging Black artists and intellectuals to celebrate their culture and challenge racial stereotypes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'New Negro' was popularized by Alain Locke in his anthology 'The New Negro' published in 1925, which featured works from various Black writers and artists.
2. The New Negro Movement coincided with the Great Migration, where many African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North seeking better opportunities and escaping racial violence.
3. This movement marked a shift from the older stereotypes of African Americans as submissive or inferior, promoting instead a vision of pride, resilience, and sophistication.
4. Artists like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston emerged during this time, using their work to express the complexities of Black life and advocate for racial equality.
5. The New Negro Movement laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism, influencing later generations to fight against systemic racism and demand social justice.

Review Questions

• How did the New Negro Movement redefine African American identity during its time?
  • The New Negro Movement redefined African American identity by promoting pride in cultural heritage and challenging existing stereotypes. This movement encouraged Black individuals to embrace their identity as sophisticated and capable members of society rather than succumbing to negative portrayals. Through literature, art, and political activism, figures like Alain Locke inspired a generation to celebrate their heritage while advocating for civil rights.
• What role did the Harlem Renaissance play in advancing the goals of the New Negro Movement?
  • The Harlem Renaissance served as a vibrant expression of the New Negro Movement's goals by providing a platform for Black artists and intellectuals to showcase their talents. It fostered an environment where creativity flourished, allowing African Americans to challenge racial stereotypes through literature, music, and visual arts. This cultural awakening not only celebrated Black identity but also played a critical role in advocating for social change and racial equality.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the New Negro Movement on subsequent civil rights movements in America.
  • The New Negro Movement had lasting impacts on subsequent civil rights movements by laying a foundation of racial pride and intellectual discourse that continued into the mid-20th century. It influenced leaders of future movements who drew inspiration from its emphasis on cultural identity and self-advocacy. The movement's focus on artistic expression as a means of resistance also paved the way for later forms of activism that utilized art as a tool for social justice, demonstrating that cultural movements can have profound effects on political change.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York during the 1920s that celebrated African American culture and produced notable works in literature, music, and art.

Cultural Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of culture and identity as a means of unifying a group, often advocating for the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage.

W.E.B. Du Bois:

An influential African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who was a key figure in the New Negro Movement and advocated for the pursuit of higher education and civil rights for Black Americans.