Turning Points

The intellectual and cultural expansion of the 1920s known as the Harlem Renaissance deeply enriched American society. Recently freed from slavery, black Americans finally had an opportunity to freely express themselves even though they continued to face many hardships, including segregation and poverty. Through main text that features annotated quotes from primary sources and historical photographs, readers learn about the contributions people of color made to art, literature, and music in the 1920s. In-depth sidebars connect these past achievements with those of the present. Discussion questions ask readers to think critically about the impact of the Harlem Renaissance.