Final answer:
The essay by Alain Locke that captures the transformation of African American identity during the Harlem Renaissance is "The New Negro". It emphasizes the shift towards assertiveness and self-confidence, anticipating the Civil Rights Movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essay by Alain Locke that describes a transformation by embracing a new psychology and spirit is c) "The New Negro". In this work, Locke encapsulates the essence of the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting the shift from the submissive 'Old Negro' to the assertive and self-confident 'New Negro', ignited by the cultural upheaval in Harlem. Portrayed as an intellectual, artist, professional, or laborer, this 'New Negro' defied societal limitations and demanded respect and fair treatment, influencing the formation of a new sense of identity and pride among African Americans. This cultural metamorphosis during the 1920s played a significant role in setting the stage for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. It directly contrasted with other works of the time, such as W.E.B. Du Bois's The Souls of Black Folk, and was a definitive declaration of a new self-awareness during a period of racial pride and political activism.