Harlem Renaissance
Question #1
1) What was the significance of the Harlem Renaissance?
The harlem renaissance was the first african American movement. All the other moments in
American history was mostly done by white Americans. African Americans can finally look back
into history and be proud of their accomplishments.
Question #2
2) Who were some of the important figures (and what they were famous for) during the Harlem
Renaissance?
Louis Armstrong was a famous trumpeter who changed the history of jazz music.
Lance Hughes was one of the most famous poets who became famous not only in the African
American circle of poets, he was famous throughout the country for his works.
James Weldon Johnson was the leader of the NWACP.
Thurgood Marshal was the first African American supreme court justice.
Zornel hearsten was a famous Actress and writer who wrote about the African American
experience.
Bessy smith was a female singer and as the highest paid African American.
Duke Ellington was a famous piano player.
Question #3
3) In the Poem, Mother to Son by Livingston Hughes, what is the message (make sure you
included the "why")?
The message of the poem is that nothing is just handed to you in life. Life may be hard and
challenging but you can not give up just when we faced some hardship. You have to work
through it and fight. When describing his hardship, Hughes makes a reference to rooms and
floors with no rugs, cold buildings and sad situations. He says that life is not a crystal stair, or
something beautiful. Work hard, and you will be something.
1) What was the significance of the Harlem Renaissance?
The harlem renaissance was the first african American movement. All the other moments in
American history was mostly done by white Americans. African Americans can finally look back
into history and be proud of their accomplishments.
Question #2
2) Who were some of the important figures (and what they were famous for) during the Harlem
Renaissance?
Louis Armstrong was a famous trumpeter who changed the history of jazz music.
Lance Hughes was one of the most famous poets who became famous not only in the African
American circle of poets, he was famous throughout the country for his works.
James Weldon Johnson was the leader of the NWACP.
Thurgood Marshal was the first African American supreme court justice.
Zornel hearsten was a famous Actress and writer who wrote about the African American
experience.
Bessy smith was a female singer and as the highest paid African American.
Duke Ellington was a famous piano player.
Question #3
3) In the Poem, Mother to Son by Livingston Hughes, what is the message (make sure you
included the "why")?
The message of the poem is that nothing is just handed to you in life. Life may be hard and
challenging but you can not give up just when we faced some hardship. You have to work
through it and fight. When describing his hardship, Hughes makes a reference to rooms and
floors with no rugs, cold buildings and sad situations. He says that life is not a crystal stair, or
something beautiful. Work hard, and you will be something.