Final answer:
The Harlem Renaissance started with the Great Migration to northern cities, especially to Harlem in New York City. This cultural movement was further shaped by the aspirations and expressions of African American artists, writers, and musicians and was rooted in the establishment of 'The Crisis' by the NAACP.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Did the Harlem Renaissance Begin?
The Harlem Renaissance began as a result of the Great Migration, where many African Americans moved from the South to the North and West, particularly to New York City, in search of better economic opportunities and a more tolerant environment. Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City, emerged as a major center for African American culture, attracting writers, artists, and musicians. This led to a literary, social, and artistic movement, celebrating the talents and heritage of African-Americans. A significant factor contributing to the start of the Harlem Renaissance was the establishment of the journal The Crisis by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1910, which played a pivotal role in developing the ideals that fueled the movement.
The period of the Harlem Renaissance, which spanned from 1918 to 1937, witnessed a transformation in the arts and literature, remaking concepts of how art was created and participated in by African Americans. It reflected their experiences and incorporated traditional, societal, intellectual, and artistic expression into the larger American psyche, influencing future directions of all-American art. The neighborhood of Harlem became the epicenter of this cultural surge and was home to iconic figures like Langston Hughes, who expressed a desire to showcase African American identity without fear or shame.