The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s was a period characterized by an outpouring of literature by African Americans. Although it was primarily a literary and intellectual movement, it is our hope to also explore the role of the visual arts, music and performing arts. This cultural renaissance was not limited to Harlem, but was evident in other cities across the country. According to Kellner in his Historical Dictionary of the Era:

“‘Harlem Renaissance’ is actually a misnomer, because the rich surge of black arts and letters during the 1920s was not limited to activity... in New York.”

This statement is the premise and motivating force behind the Library’s desire to create a web site on the Black Renaissance in Washington.

biographies | harlem renaissance books | links | timeline | about this site

The Black Renaissance in Washington, DC is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. It is supported by the Art Division of the D.C. Public Library. Please direct all inquiries regarding this Web site to George-McKinley Martin, Chief, Art Division, george-mckinley.martin@dc.gov.

This Web site was designed by paperlantern.com.