English: Harlem Renaissance

Calling Dreams
The right to make my dreams come true
I ask, nay, I demand of life,
Nor shall fate's deadly contraband
Impede my steps, nor countermand.
Too long my heart against the ground
Has beat the dusty years around,
And now, at length, I rise, I wake!
And stride into the morning break!
Georgia Douglas Johnson, 1922

The Harlem Renaissance (1919-1940) was considered the premiere literary periods for creative and intellectual blossoming of African American expression. In this period, African Americans confronted the stereotypes regarding African Americans and sought to combat the racist, social, political, and economic inequalities that prevented them citizenship. 

The Harlem Renaissance helped change representation of black culture and experience. The emergence of black literature and artistry had an enormous impact on black consciousness worldwide. The Great Migration, a move African Americans took from rural to urban spaces and moving from the South to the North, gave way to the Harlem Renaissance where literacy levels grew and the creation of national organization for uplifting the African American race gave rise to the Civil Rights Movement. 

Josephine Baker was an American-born French dancer and singer. She was a symbol of beauty and style for black culture. Grew up in poverty, she started dancing during her teen years in a chorus company in New York. In 1925, she moved to Paris to become one of the most famous music hall entertainers. Source- Josephine Baker Encyclopedia Britannica 

Katherine Dunham was an African American dancer, choreographer, author, educator, anthropologist and social activist. Most know for her innovative interpretations of ritualistic and ethnic dances. Her dance technique was later used int he foundation of modern dance. Additional Source: LOC Katherine Dunham Timeline Collection

Mary McLeod Bethune grew up in the South, trained as a missionary. Upon being denied the right to become a missionary in Africa, Bethune became a school president for 13 years. She then opened a school of her own called Daytona Normal and Industrial School for Negro Girls in 1904. Bethune would later be recognized as an influential leader and nurturer for the Harlem Renaissance Era. Becoming an influencer to writer Langston Hughes. Bethune's racial tolerance world view and commitment to uplifting the black community to doing self-less acts. Source- Mary McLeod Bethune