On The Spirit Of Harlem 's Renaissance And American Significance

Harlem Renaissance which spanned the 1920 s and 1930 s of America is a massive cultural movement launched by African American scholars. It can be regarded as the full expression of African Americans’ struggle against unequal identity for generations in culture.The generation and evolution of Harlem Renaissance were deeply rooted in its rich cultural foundation and unique historical background. Harlem neighborhood is one of the few areas which belong to New York, so it bears with itself a long history of regional exploitation and slavery abolition. Together with its favorable geographical location, all of these laid a solid foundation for the full play of Harlem renaissance. Before Harlem Renaissance, during the 150 plus years between the 18 th century and the early 20 th century, the African American literature had experienced there phases of development, which provided a strong foundation for the development of thoughts and literature in later days. That is why the African Americans who massively converged there managed to grasp the opportunity when America was experiencing rapid economic development in the 1920 s, which produced the cultural storm of Harlem Renaissance. At the same time, after a close review of the development route of African American literature, we can clearly see that African Americans were very active in promoting the development of their own culture, for the purpose of providing intellectual support for this cultural movement.The glorious achievements made by Harlem Renaissance massively propelled the maturity of African American literature. By breaking away the constraint of subject matter, Harlem literature works fully displayed the beauty and glamour of the dark skin, which is one important feature of the African American literature at the time. During this period, a warm of important black writers sprang up, such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, John Mackey, John Toomer, ect, who on the basis of inheriting their forerunners’ outstanding literature tradition, made many innovative experiments not only on writing techniques but also on subject matters and themes.Harlem Renaissance bears its distinct spiritual features, which are in line with American mainstream spirits. Harlem Renaissance has rich cultural spirits. African Americans make endeavor to explore their national essences, and establish a sense of belonging with the aim of seeking freedom, equality and breaking down racial segregation. It is a historical landmark of African Americans’ struggling, and the blacks’ spiritual expression in the cultural area. It is also the embodiment of America’s national spirit.Harlem Renaissance is of profound value for the United States of America. It promoted the mutual understanding between the blacks and the whites in America, and the blacks’ sense of “Americaness”. It enhanced the growth and maturity of African American culture, and the integrity of the black culture into the American mainstream culture. This movement also invigorated the development of American culture, and paved the road for the diversity of American literature.