Asia Muhammad - Midterm 2015 TL #2 lyrics

Although, at the time it was known as the “New Negro Movement”, the Harlem Renaissance was an artistic, intellectual and literary movement that launched a new black cultural identity. In addition, it was the birth place of urban literature and set the tone for urban writing today. The theme of expression played a key role in creating depictions of the New Negro through imagery. African Americans used literature, music, art, dance and theater during this period, as well as scenes of black life from a variety of perspectives. This timeline will plot focus on some important dates throughout this period. 1923- Josephine Baker appears on Broadway in Chocolate Dandies "We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes, this debt we pay to human guile, with torn and bleeding hearts we smile".-Paul Laurence Dunbar-We Wear the Mask(1924) This quote shows how blacks always portrayed a happy image when they were performing, despite what they were feeling deep inside. 1925- The new musical form known as jazz is showcased at Aeolian Hall in New York in the “First American Jazz Concert”. "Your shoulders towering high above the throng, Your head thrown back in rich, barbaric song, Palm trees and mangoes stretched before your eyes."-Helene Johnson-Sonnet to a Negro in Harlem This quote shows the excitement and enthusiasm that was put in performances. 1927- The Cotton Club, Harlem's largest and most famous cabaret opens. "Hyeahd da win' blow too de spine, Jump back honey, jump back, Mockin' bird was singing' fine, Jump back honey, jump back"-Paul Laurence Dunbar-A Negro Love Song(1913) This quote shows vivid imagery of the happiness jazz and entertainment brought to people. 1928- Duke Ellington begins a three year residency at The Cotton Club "Nobody'll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed."-Langston Hughes-I, Too(1940) This quote shows the inequality blacks faced and overcame with time. 1931- James Weldon Johnson's Black Manhattan, a history of Harlem, is published "But it's easy nough to titter w'en de stew is smoking' hot, but it's mighty had to giggle, wen ders nuffin in da pot"-Paul Laurence Dunbar-Philosophy This quote shows how the hard times affected happiness within the community. The struggle was real for most people. 1934- The world famous Apollo Theatre opens in Harlem. "With petty cares to slightly understand What awful brain compels His awful hand. Yet do I marvel at this curious thing: To make a poet black, and bid him sing!"-Countee Cullen-Yet Do I Marvel(1929) This quote shows how blacks overcome inequality and pursued their dreams during the Harlem Renaissance. 1937- Zora Neale Hurston releases her novel "Their eyes were watching God". "You sho is one aggravatin' n******g woman!" He declared and stepped into the room. She resumed her work and did not answer him at once".-Zora Neale Hurston-Sweat(1927) This quote shows the dialect blacks used and how they communicated with each other. 1940- Langston Hughes' The Big Sea is published. "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then run?"-Langston Hughes-Harlem(1940) This quote shows how easy it is to lose hope when times are so hard.