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the physical parameters that define Harlem, between the years
of 1917 and 1935, artists, writers, dancers, musicians, activists,
philosophers, and patrons went to the same parties, danced
at the same clubs, and lived and worked on the same streets.
As a result, many of the works produced during this period
were results of collaborations between artists, and of the
influence, encouragement, and inspiration of individuals living
and working in Harlem.
Drop Me Off in Harlem
is a Web-based resource for teachers and students that explores
the themes and works that emerged when creative and intellectual
voices intersected during the Harlem Renaissance. The site
contains three main sections:
- Faces
of the Renaissance: a collection of "cards" that
discuss influential individuals and works and their intersections
with other individuals and works.
- A Place
Called Harlem: an interactive map of prominent cultural,
social, and political establishments in Harlem.
- Themes
and Variations: a series of features that provide an
in-depth look at seminal works, and important themes and
threads that emerged during this period.
Each section contains a wealth of primary
sources to read, listen to, and watch. You can jump straight
to the various multimedia offerings through the link to our
Media Player to experience the sights and sounds of the Harlem
Renaissance. Visit our Classroom
Connections section to find out how Drop Me Off in
Harlem can provide a wealth of enriching learning opportunities
for middle school and high school students.
How did we decide which faces and places
to highlight in this site?
Who would you meet if you were actually
dropped off in Harlem between 1917 and 1935? Countless artists,
scholars, activists, and patrons flourished during the Harlem
Renaissance. The individuals highlighted in Faces
of the Renaissance were selected not only for their artistic,
financial, and intellectual contributions to the Harlem Renaissance,
but also for their connection to Harlem, itself. Each person
featured in the site lived in Harlem and/or produced works
influenced by Harlem between the years of 1917 and 1935, and
shared connections with other prominent individuals in Harlem.
In an effort to capture the mood and
spirit of Harlem, individuals were chosen in part because
they were inspired by the place, itself—this site features
painters and composers whose works reflect a place or event
in Harlem and poets and essayists who wrote about some aspect
of Harlem life.
The places you will encounter in our
interactive
map are representative of important social, artistic,
and political establishments in Harlem. They also allow you
to actually see and visualize the physical spaces where the
many faces of the Renaissance intersected.
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