The  Harlem Renaissance was a period of exploration of African American in art, literature, music, and much more. It took place in the 1920s and 30s.  The movement was centered in New York, where Harlem became the hub. The poetry and writings during this time showcase the experiences felt by African Americans.  In Zora Hurston’s story  “How It Feels to Be Colored By Me” the reflection of African Americans’ feelings during the Harlem Renaissance is noted.  Hurston shows the positive shift in the lives of African Americans during this period of time.  She states “But I am not tragically colored.  There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes.” She goes on to express what it means to be an individual not categorized by just the color of your skin alone. “At certain times I have no race, I am me.”  She shows us that the Harlem Renaissance was a period in time where African Americans stepped out of the box they had been grouped in and started to explore self expression and individualism. 

In Langston Hughes “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” there is an underlying feeling of ancestral connection. He states, “I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.” The poem points out the perseverance of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance, and how they have been a guiding force at shaping civilization. “I’ve known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.” Is a representation of African Americans as a whole. 

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of exploration for African Americans.  In literature we are able to read about  the experiences of African Americans in America.  We also explore themes of a collective whole, as well as the exploration of individualism. The Harlem Renaissance was able to bring a sense of pride and self worth to African Americans.  Themes of race, class, and identity were explored by writers like Zora Hurston, Langston Hughes, and many others.

Langston, Hughes. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Robert S. Levine. Norton, 2022, p.946.
Hurston, Zora. “How It Feels to Be Colored Me.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Robert S. Levine, Norton, 2022, p.556.