Final answer:
The Harlem Renaissance was an influential cultural movement centered in Harlem, New York, during the early 20th century, where African American culture was expressed and celebrated across literature, music, and arts, by figures such as Langston Hughes and Louis Armstrong.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Harlem Renaissance was an expansive cultural movement that took place in the United States during the early part of the 20th century. Specifically, from around 1918 to the mid-1930s, this era represented a flourishing of African American culture, especially in Harlem, a neighborhood in northern Manhattan, New York City. The movement is characterized by significant contributions in literature, music, visual arts, and performance arts.
During this time, African American writers, poets, musicians, and artists sought to redefine the portrayal of black culture, moving away from white stereotypes and expressing a distinct and proud identity through their creative works. Notable figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington were at the forefront of the movement. The Harlem Renaissance not only contributed to the rise of a new black identity but also had a profound effect on all American art forms.
It was also closely tied to civil rights movements, with many of its participants advocating for equality and challenging the status quo. Harlem itself transformed into a vibrant cultural center, drawing African Americans from the South during the Great Migration and beyond, looking for economic opportunities and a more inclusive society.