James Baldwin's "Another Country"

Analysis: Published in 1962 by James Baldwin, "Another Country" shows the downfall of an African American Jazz drummer who becomes involved in a relationship with a white woman. Baldwin's purpose was to inform the public about the effects of racial discrimination and how it can tear lives apart. It embodies the Civil Rights Movement by showing the struggles that many African Americans faced during the African-American Civil Rights Movement because of racial discrimination. The novel ends with the main character Rufus,an African American, committing suicide because of racial tension and problems that he struggled with his entire life.

Romare Bearden's "The Calabash"

Analysis: During the Civil Rights movement, African American artist Romare Bearden created many great collages,one of his most famous being "The Calabash." "The Calabash" is a collage involving an African American woman apparently washing her feat, while in the background there is an African American woman with her child. Bearden's purpose is to show the contrast between an elderly African American woman caring for a child and a youthful African American woman bathing herself. It seems as though the young woman has no responsibilities or cares while the other woman looks ignored, tired and stressed. The older woman in this picture embodies the Civil Rights movement because many African America women seemed to be in her position; stressed, tired and ignored.

John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance"

"All we are saying is give peace a chance"

Analysis: John Lennon, a peace activist and one of the most listened to artists of all time. His song "Give Peace a Chance," which was written in the early 1960s, repeatedly says "All we are saying is give peace a chance" for the whole duration of the song. Lennon's purpose was to push for peace not only when it comes to war, but also with social problems. Lennon's mentality in "Give Peace a Chance" embodies the Civil Rights movement because it was a very common attitude for African Americans and lead to a revolution that granted people of other races complete equality with the white majority in America.

Background of the Civil Rights Movement

From 1954 up until 1968, the Civil Rights movement was going on in America. During this time, African Americans focused on social equality more so than during the Harlem Renaissance. While African American culture was still embraced, African American's were less focused on ethnic pride and more focused on expressing their views for social change.

Background of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African Americans embraced their heritage and expressed their pride through music, literature and art. African Americans also pushed for social reform by means of integration and social equality. The Harlem Renaissance did not only effect Harlem, but many urban areas throughout America.

Nella Larsen's "Quicksand"

Analysis: Nella Larsen was one of the most influential writer's of the Harlem Renaissance. One of Larsen's most famous contribution was Quicksand, an autobiography of Larsen's life. Larsen lived in many different environments growing up, some which were very welcoming to her race and others which were very harsh to her. Her autobiography embodies the Harlem Renaissance by embracing her heritage instead of fighting it. Larsen observes the people and environments around her and expresses it throughout her emotional account in Quicksand. Larsen's purpose was to give the public insight of her life and the lives of many African Americans facing racial degradation.

Langston Hughes' "My People"

"The night is beautiful,

So the faces of my people.

The stars are beautiful,

So the eyes of my people

Beautiful, also, is the sun.

Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people..."

Analysis: Langston Hughes is most known for his achievement during the Harlem Renaissance. Undoubtedly one of his most popular works would be My People. In this poem, Hughes purpose was to proudly expresses the beauty of African Americans. The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African Americans embraced their culture and expressed it through music, literature and art. Hughes' proud mindset in My People embodies the Harlem Renaissance and this pride helped spark a revolution in later years.

Charles Alston's "Modern Medicine"

Analysis: Charles Alston was one of the most popular and influential artists during the Harlem Renaissance. He is most famous for his murals such as "Modern Medicine" which is located in the Harlem Hospital Center. "Modern Medicine" focuses on Western medicine and integration. Alston shows that there have been many African Americans who have contributed much to society and should be allowed to work alongside white people. He shows two of the fathers of Western medicine, Louis T. Wright and Louis Pasteur. Showing an African American and a white man integrated and making a positive difference embodies the time period by showing many people's desire for integration and equality.

Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo"

Duke Ellington is an icon associated with the Harlem Renaissance and was extremely influential during that time. Mood Indigo was Duke's first and one of his biggest hits. It is highly praised because of the way he blends all of the instruments together and creates a unified, integrated sound. This integration and blending was the goal that many African Americans held for society. Mood Indigo embodies the Harlem Renaissance's mindset of integrating society as a means to end conflict and racial discrimination.