2025 Summer Reading Challenge

When the Civil War ended, the formerly enslaved began to live life on their terms to  take control of their own destiny. But by the turn of the 20th century, white terrorism extinguished those dreams. This created a "great migration" of Black folks to the North. Destination cities were created as safer spaces. Thousands of Black people  relocated to cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York. The Harlem section of Manhattan, drew nearly 175,000 African Americans, giving the neighborhood the largest concentration of black people in the world. Harlem became a destination for African Americans of all backgrounds. And although their backgrounds may have been different, they shared common experiences of slavery, emancipation, and racial oppression. They also shared a determination to define their own reality. 

The Great Migration drew to Harlem some of the greatest minds and brightest talents of the day. 

When we think of the Harlem Renaissance, we often envision the writers and poets. We think of people like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, Nella Larson and Georgia Douglas Johnson. Novels and poetry were significant pieces of literature that spoke to the Black experience. We'd be remiss if we didn't include nonficiton and essays that captured the creative genius of our Ancestors. We'll explore some of that writing and begin to create our own. 

Nightlife during the Harlem Renaissance was the most effective way for artists to share their gift. Some of the most popular spots included The Cotton Club and The Savoy Ballroom. It was during this time that jazz and blues became the dominant genre of music. 

Some of the biggest names in jazz and blues that appeared during the Harlem Renaissance include: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, and Cab Calloway. These entertainers influenced future singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. For the next few decades, jazz and blues would influence new styles of music, such as swing music, bebop, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n roll, soul, disco and hip-hop. Let's think about how writing plays a major role in music and entertainment. 

Visual art was a major component of the Harlem Renaissance. This includes different styles of painting, sculpture and printmaking. We'll read, talk and create our current day interpretations of life through the visuals. 

Food has always played a major role in the Black community. Our relationship with it is like no other. As with everything that touches our lives, we take what we have and create what we need. Let's plan to take a look at how some of our most popular dishes were birthed from good times. 

Our style is unmatched! Our swag is unmatched! When our Ancestors/Elders stepped out, it was done with style and grace. Let's "go back and fetch" that elegance.