Final answer:
The Red Summer of 1919 showed continuity in the forms of racial violence familiar from the past but also indicated change with African Americans defending themselves against white aggression, leading to an empowered Black community and laying the groundwork for the Harlem Renaissance and civil rights activism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Continuity and Change in the Red Summer of 1919
The Red Summer of 1919 represented a period of both continuity and change in the racial tensions between African Americans and mainstream white culture. The continuity aspect was evident in the ongoing racial violence and the white population's resistance to Black advancement, reminiscent of the pre-war era. On the other hand, a significant change occurred as recently empowered African Americans actively defended themselves against white aggression, marking a shift towards self-determination and a refusal to be passive victims of racial injustices. This self-defense not only galvanized the Black communities but also changed the perception of African American resistance among many white Americans, causing a mix of shock and reevaluation of race relations.
In the aftermath of the Red Summer, there were immediate and long-term effects. James Weldon Johnson succinctly described the new determination among African Americans to secure their rights as freemen, prompted by the outrage they faced. This period also contributed to the formation of organizations like the African Blood Brotherhood, indicating a move towards more organized forms of resistance. Simultaneously, the violence and resistance during this period laid essential groundwork for future civil rights activism and the revered Harlem Renaissance, reflecting a surge in African American cultural pride and expression.