Final answer:
The Harlem Renaissance changed American society in the 1920s by elevating the national reputation of African American literature and art, inspiring racial pride, and laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Harlem Renaissance had a significant impact on American society during the 1920s. This cultural movement, centered in New York City's Harlem neighborhood, elevated the national reputation of African American literature and art, making option 3 the correct answer to how the Harlem Renaissance changed American society in the 1920s. African American artists, poets, musicians, and writers congregated in Harlem to produce works that inspired racial pride and became incorporated into the wider American culture, fostering a foundation for future Civil Rights activism.
Apart from introducing a rich African American cultural expression to mainstream America, the Harlem Renaissance also played a crucial role in altering the perception of African Americans, challenging racist stereotypes, especially those stemming from the southern Jim Crow laws. The movement was instrumental in showcasing the talents and capabilities of African Americans, helping to transform the American arts scene.
At the heart of this cultural explosion were illustrious figures such as Langston Hughes, who used art as a vehicle for improving the lives of African Americans and instilling a sense of self-determination and pride, which would later become essential elements in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.