The Harlem Renaissance was winding down around the 1930s; it was hard to have a renaissance during a depression. Many artists needed jobs. When Prohibition ended, white patrons no longer went to clubs that served illegal alcohol. Although the end of the Harlem Renaissance is difficult to define, there was an event that marked an end to peace in Harlem. Known as the Harlem Race Riot of 1935, false rumors of a black Puerto Rican boy's death led to a riot in Harlem.
Front page of newspaper entitled '4,000 Riot in Harlem; One Killed'. 20 Mar.
1935. Daily News
Lino Rivera accompanied by two police officers in a station. 20 Mar. 1935.
Daily News
Lino Rivera was the boy liberals thought had been killed. Upon hearing this, a woman fainted and a violent riot broke out that lasted the night.
Policeman swings in against the crowd as his comrade tries to hold the police
line. 20 Mar. 1935. Daily News
Even though the Harlem Renaissance ended, its impact is still seen today, in jazz and blues for example. Several artists use a style similar to that of the Harlem Renaissance, drawing much inspiration from African art. One specific impact Harlem had is seen in the children’s book Harlem by Walter Dean Myers.
Myers, Walter Dean. Harlem. Illustrated by Christopher Myers, 1997
A page from Harlem. The art style draws inspiration from African art and the Harlem Renaissance. From the text, Harlem was influential to the author in the way the songs and traditions came from Africa.
"Harlem was a promise
Of a better life, Of a place where a man didn't
Have to know his place
Simply because he was
Black"
~ Myers, Walter Dean. Harlem. 1997
The Harlem Renaissance gave African Americans pride in their heritage and control over how they were represented in American culture. The new ideals of the Harlem Renaissance set the stage for the civil rights and black pride movements.
Holmes, Ekua. Bus Stop. WBUR
This artwork draws influence from the Harlem Renaissance. The subject is consistent with Harlem Renaissance art; it shows an everyday action by everyday people.
The New Negro
Research