Harlem Renaissance

James Van Der Zee

Photographed the prosperous middle class and edited photos with added jewelry and color.

Impact of James Van Der Zee's work

Portrayed a prosperous Middle Class to argue against their emigration to Africa.

Paul Robeson

A singer and actor known for the song 'Ol' Man River' that reflects the struggles of black people.

James Weldon Johnson

A multifaceted writer and civil rights leader who mentored Langston Hughes and critiqued assimilation in his work.

Claude McKay

A poet known for the work 'Heritage', which addresses the symbolism of Africa in relation to heritage.

Duke Ellington

A significant musician who changed music composition, emphasizing individual instrument voices and telling stories through his work.

Horace Pippin

An artist who blended realism with symbolism and was known for expressing racial struggles through vibrant oil paintings.

Archibald Motley Jr.

An artist who sought to portray Africans positively and was the first African American to hold a solo exhibition.

Gwendolyn Bennett

A poet educated in Paris, known for exploring her cultural roots and themes of interracial marriage.

Josephine Baker

A French entertainer famous for her banana skirt performance.

Aaron Douglas

A painter who combined Egyptian art with Western styles, establishing a strong visual identity.

Louis Armstrong

A musician known for his trumpet playing and vocal work, who addressed social and racial issues in his music.