Summary
Cool nights, hot jazz! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby introduce you to the African-American cultural revival known as the Harlem Renaissance! Find out why so many African-Americans migrated to the north in the early part of the 20th century, and how forming small communities allowed them to keep and nourish their cultural identity. Discover some of the key problems African Americans faced, as well as some of ways that writers and activists encouraged them to fight back. You’ll also be introduced to some famous poets, musicians, artists, and dancers of the period. Finally, you’ll find out how the seeds of the civil rights movement were planted during the Harlem Renaissance. It’s everyone’s heritage!
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Harlem Renaissance:
- What is one new thing you learned about harlem renaissance?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining harlem renaissance.
- Draw or give one example of your own.