The Harlem Renaissance, also known as the New Negro Movement, was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York from the 1920s to the mid-1930s. During this time, African Americans in the United States experienced a newfound sense of pride and identity, as well as a desire for education and upliftment.
One of the key figures in the Harlem Renaissance was W.E.B. Du Bois, who argued for the importance of higher education for African Americans in his famous work "The Souls of Black Folk." Du Bois believed that education was the key to uplifting the black community and achieving equality with white Americans. He argued that the "Talented Tenth," or the top 10% of African Americans, should be educated and trained to become leaders in the black community.
Despite the efforts of Du Bois and others, access to education for African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance was still limited. Many black students faced segregation and discrimination in schools, and many were not able to attend college due to financial barriers. However, the Harlem Renaissance did see the establishment of several institutions that were specifically designed to provide education to African Americans.
One such institution was the Harlem Community Art Center, which was founded in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The center offered art and crafts classes to the community, and was a place for artists and intellectuals to come together and exchange ideas. Another notable institution was the Harlem School of the Arts, which was founded in 1964 and continues to provide arts education to students today.
In addition to these institutions, the Harlem Renaissance also saw the growth of private schools and colleges that were specifically designed to serve the African American community. One such school was the Hampton Institute, which was founded in 1868 and provided education and vocational training to African Americans. Another notable school was Fisk University, which was founded in 1866 and became a leading institution for African American higher education during the Harlem Renaissance.
Overall, the Harlem Renaissance was a time of great progress and achievement for African Americans in terms of education. While access to education was still limited due to segregation and discrimination, the establishment of institutions like the Harlem Community Art Center and the Harlem School of the Arts, as well as the growth of private schools and colleges, helped to provide opportunities for education and personal development to members of the African American community.