Harlem Renaissance Music and Arts Festival

Question

American Literature & Composition B Unit 1 Test Replacement

Ms. Barrett/Ms. Cadenhead/Ms. Freds/Ms. Yan


Instructions:

Choose one of these options to create a Harlem Renaissance music and arts festival advertisement:

- A slide presentation

Submit your completed Unit 1 test in the below drop box once completed.


Requirements:

Festival Title: Think of a catchy name for your festival. :)

Dates: Choose dates that fall within the Harlem Renaissance time period.

Location: Provide an overview of Harlem as it was at that time.

Line-up: Provide a list of at least 6 writers, 6 musicians, and 6 artists that will be featured at your festival.

Artist Theme Spotlights: Write a total of 3 paragraphs that include 2-3 sentences of biographical info and 5-6 sentences describing their most famous piece(s) and at least one theme. All info MUST be in your own words. Your paragraphs should follow this format:

One writer (Paragraph 1)

One musician (Paragraph 2)

One visual artist (Paragraph 3)


Remember to cite any and all sources used in your project!

If you decide to do a slide presentation, you may use this template. You can either download the file as a PowerPoint, or make a copy on your own Google drive. Then, edit it to create your presentation, and send either the file or the link to your teacher via Schoology.

You will include these elements in your project:
Festival Title: Think of a catchy name for your festival. :)
Dates: Choose dates that fall within the Harlem Renaissance time period.
Location: Provide an overview of Harlem as it was at that time.
Line-up: Provide a list of at least 6 writers, 6 musicians, and 6 artists that will be featured at your festival.
Artist Theme Spotlights: Write a total of 3 paragraphs that include 2-3 sentences of biographical info and 5-6 sentences describing their most famous piece(s) and at least one theme. Your paragraphs should follow this format:
One writer (Paragraph 1)
One musician (Paragraph 2)
One visual artist (Paragraph 3)

Remember to cite any and all sources used in your project!

Answer 1

Title: Rhythm and Renaissance - A Celebration of Harlem's Artistic Glory

Dates: August 15th - 17th, 1928

Location: Harlem, New York City

Overview of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance: During the Harlem Renaissance, Harlem became a cultural hub for African American artists, musicians, writers, and intellectuals. It was a place where creativity, innovation, and expressions of black identity thrived. Harlem was vibrant with energy and excitement, and the Renaissance brought forth a new era of artistic and intellectual awakening.

Line-up:
Writers:
1. Langston Hughes - Hughes, a prominent poet and writer, is known for his powerful works that captured the experiences and challenges faced by African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance. His poem "Harlem" (also known as "A Dream Deferred") reflects on the frustrations and aspirations of the black community.
2. Zora Neale Hurston - Hurston was an influential writer and anthropologist known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Her work explored themes of racial identity, love, and self-discovery.
3. Countee Cullen - Cullen was a poet and playwright celebrated for his poetic works that delved into themes of racial identity, love, and social inequality.

Musicians:
1. Louis Armstrong - Armstrong, renowned jazz trumpeter and singer, brought joy and revolution to the music scene with his unique style and improvisation. His rendition of "West End Blues" revolutionized jazz and showcased his virtuosity.
2. Duke Ellington - Ellington, a legendary composer and bandleader, transformed jazz into an art form. His composition "Take the 'A' Train" became an anthem of the Harlem Renaissance, embodying the spirit and energy of the era.
3. Bessie Smith - Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues," possessed a powerful voice and immense talent. Her song "Downhearted Blues" exemplified her ability to evoke deep emotions through song.

Visual Artists:
1. Aaron Douglas - Douglas was a painter and illustrator whose work illustrated the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. His mural "Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery Through Reconstruction" depicted the struggles and achievements of African Americans.
2. Augusta Savage - Savage was a sculptor who created impactful works that celebrated black identity and challenged racial stereotypes. Her sculpture "Gamin" showcased the resilience and innocence of African American youth.
3. Jacob Lawrence - Lawrence was a renowned painter known for his narrative series of paintings, such as "The Migration Series," which chronicled the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North. His use of bold colors and dynamic compositions added depth to his storytelling.

Sources:
- Biography.com
- Harlem Renaissance: Art of Black America by Mary Schmidt Campbell
- NPR Music: The Jazz of the Harlem Renaissance