What are the key events and figures of the Harlem Renaissance?

The Harlem Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth that took place in Harlem, New York in the early 20th century. It was a time when many African American writers, artists, musicians, and intellectuals came together to express themselves and explore their cultural heritage.

Some of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bessie Smith. These individuals and many others used their art to explore the experiences of African Americans and create a new cultural identity for themselves.

Some of the key events of the Harlem Renaissance include the publication of the magazine 'The Crisis' by the NAACP, which gave many writers and artists a platform to share their work. The Cotton Club, one of the most famous nightclubs of the time, featured many black entertainers, and was a symbol of the growing cultural influence of African Americans in the United States.

The Harlem Renaissance wasn't without its flaws; it was criticized for catering to the white elite and ignoring the struggles of working-class African Americans. However, it remains an important period in American history and a symbol of the resilience and creativity of the African American community.