The “New Negro,” is a term taken from the title of Alain Locke’s 1925 collection of poetry, prose, art and essays. It represents the undeniable excellence and influence of black culture during the Harlem Renaissance.
The revival was broader than just Harlem; it took place in St Louis with Jazz, in Chicago with the Blues, and other cities too.
Imagine the Jazz Baby as inspiration for this famous Langston Hughes poem:
DREAM VARIATIONS
To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me-- That is my dream!
To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done. Rest at pale evening . . .
A tall, slim tree . . .
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.
