10-35-22

Harlem Renaissance and Black Creative Community

• Emergence of a vibrant black creative community during the Harlem Renaissance.

• Notable figures include:

  • Nella Larsen: Known for her novel Passing, which explores themes of race, identity, and passing for white.

    • Critique of the film adaptation of Passing: While visually faithful, it lacked the suspense and nuance of the novel.

    • Also wrote Quicksand, with autobiographical elements from her own mixed-race identity.

  • Zora Neale Hurston: Authored Their Eyes Were Watching God, a seminal work in African American literature.

  • Langston Hughes: A key voice of the Harlem Renaissance who contributed significantly to literature and culture.

Significance of the Harlem Renaissance

• Provided a space for Black people to express creativity free from white supremacy and stereotyping.

• Emergence of entertainment spaces away from degrading portrayals (e.g., blackface).

• Clubs and venues in Harlem offered Black individuals leisure and a sense of community.

• Contrast between Harlem's creative spaces versus mainstream entertainment like vaudeville, which enforced racial stereotypes.

Representation in Media

• Critique of Hollywood representation:

  • Gone with the Wind featured Hattie McDaniel as Mammy, who won an Oscar but played a stereotypical role.

  • Black performers often pigeonholed into roles that reinforced negative stereotypes.

• The Harlem Renaissance allowed for more nuanced portrayals of Black identity through self-produced shows.

Social and Economic Dynamics of Harlem

• Harlem became a cultural hub for Black artists, attracting both Black and white audiences.

  • White patrons contributed to the economy but also partook in the leisure activities that celebrated Black culture.

• Shift in social dynamics; in contrast to White spaces, black clubs provided a safe haven for creative expression.

Allensworth: The All Black Colony in California

• Introduction to Allensworth as a self-governing Black colony in California.

• Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth: First African American lieutenant colonel who promoted the settlement for retired Buffalo Soldiers.

• Allensworth's establishment aimed to create a thriving, self-sufficient community for African Americans witnessing discrimination elsewhere.

  • Founded in 1908 and strategically located alongside Santa Fe railroad lines for trade and resources.

  • Included basic amenities like a library, post office, barbershop, and a school emphasizing Black history.

Challenges Faced by Allensworth

• Environmental challenges, including water scarcity due to high sodium content in soil.

• Dependency on Pacific Farming Company's water rights exacerbated their agricultural struggles.

• Decline of Allensworth by the 1940s due to economic pressures and lack of sustainable resources.

• Environmental injustice aspect: The community's isolation and environmental issues reflect broader patterns of discrimination against Black communities.

The Great Migration and Economic Struggles During the Great Depression

• The Great Depression saw dramatic increases in unemployment, especially among African Americans.

• By 1932, about half of Black Americans were jobless, and systemic racism obstructed recovery efforts.

  • Discriminatory tactics by white workers aimed to push Black individuals out of jobs.

• The Don't Buy Where You Can't Work movement:

  • Originated in response to job losses, seeking to empower Black consumers in segregated communities.

  • Led to increased job opportunities through boycotts and protests against discriminatory practices.

  • Movement spread from Chicago to cities with significant Black populations, advocating for economic independence.

Organizational Responses to Economic Injustice

• The Communist Party and labor unions played crucial roles in aiding Black individuals during the New Deal.

• Increased involvement of Black Americans in union activities and the formation of informal labor unions.

• The impact of key legal cases like Scottsboro Boys, influencing discussions of racial justice and fair trials.

  • Highlighted systemic racism within the justice system and spurred civil rights activism.