Final answer:
African American concert artists in the 19th and early 20th centuries faced significant challenges due to racial discrimination, but some managed to break barriers and contribute to American culture, especially during the Harlem Renaissance. Even as racial stereotypes persisted, they forged paths in theater and art, which later led to the creation of specialized galleries and support for their work during the Civil Rights Movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
African American concert artists during the 19th and early 20th centuries faced numerous dilemmas, primarily due to the racial discrimination and stereotyping that was prevalent during this period. In the wake of the Civil War, black people were often depicted in a stereotypical manner, both in appearance and actions. Despite this, some African American artists, like Edmonia Lewis, endeavored to present a more authentic image of black history through their art. Furthermore, the Harlem Renaissance was a period of significant creative output where African American artists responded to the racism of the time with their unique contributions to art, literature, and music. Yet, this era also saw the racial barriers persist. The expansion of African American Theatre and performance in venues like Broadway, as exemplified by Bert Williams and George Walker, signified some progress, but the broader art world often remained inaccessible to many black artists. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s subsequently prompted an elevation of African American art with the establishment of galleries and community art centers focused on their work.