The Harlem Renaissance

Aaron Douglas

Work Cited

• History.com Staff "Great Migration" History.com 2010 Web. 8 May 2015
• "Jacob Lawrence." Bio.com A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 9 May 2015.
• "Aaron Douglas." Bio.com A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 9 May 2015.

Aaron Douglas was a powerful figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Topeka, Kansas in the year 1899 and moving to Harlem in 1955 he quickly submerged himself in the life of Harlem. Also known as "The Father of Black Art", Douglas contributed to the National Urban League's Magazine, the 'Opportunity', and the "Crisis" magazine, who was supported by The National Organization for the Advancement Colored People. Through the numerous pictures created by his hands, he illustrated the many struggles of African Americans, and ushered in the 'New Negro' birthed form the Harlem Renaissance.

Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence was born in the Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 7, 1917, but later moved to Easton, Pennsylvania when he was two. After years living in a foster home for years, he made his way to Harlem to live with his mother. There, he quickly unlocked his passion for art and attended Harlem Art Workshops. After years of hard work and dedication fr his passion, he earned a scholarship to the American Artists School in New York. He soon developed his won form modernism, or a style that breaks the boundaries of classical and traditional forms. Starting his own series of "The Migration of the Negro", he became famous by illustrating the noble journey of African Americans and how the conquered many obstacles. Through his works, he became the first African American to have their work featured Edith Halpert's Downtown Gallery in 1942.

Aaron Douglas Artwork

The Great Migration

Artists of the Renaissance

The artists of the Harlem Renaissance perfectly captured the joy and livelihood of the era. During the Great Migration, Harlem became home to many talented artists of the middle-class level. The different art pieces, sculptures, and paintings encouraged African Americans to be proud of their heritage and embrace it. Three Harlem Renaissance artists who introduced the 'New Negro' were Aaron Douglas and Jacob Lawrence.

The Great Migration was the sudden movement of African Americans from the rural South, to the cities of the North, West, and Midwest in the year 1916. The reasons why they left the South were because of the lack of jobs and the harsh segregation laws being forced on them. Many took advantage of the industrial jobs available because of World War 1. And because of the large scale migration, many began to form their own communities and groups, birthing the Harlem Renaissance.

The Harlem Renaissance

Jacob Lawrence Artwork