A Renaissance in Harlem: Lost Voices of an American Community

by Lionel C. Bascom

Established to create jobs during the Depression, the Work Projects Administration sent writers into the neighborhoods and alleyways of Harlem to capture its distinctive voices during its most flamboyant, socially active and aesthetically vibrant era. It was a time when Harlem was Mecca, as vital as any world capital, surging with a tide of Negro migrants in search of the American Dream. The 1930s heralded the greatest period of self-discovery in African-American history after the Civil War and before the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.In this illuminating document, we are introduced to a West Indian conjure man known for his infallible charms and herbal remedies; a dancer at the Apollo Theater who mourns the untimely death of the entertainer who inspired her; a domestic worker determined to fight for fair wages and better treatment. And we meet Matt Henson at his retirement from his government job, still denied official recognition for his status as the first American to plant the United States flag on the North Pole.

Enter the bars, the nightclubs, the beauty shops, the street markets, the employment offices and homes. Visit with fish vendors, war veterans, Pullman porters, prostitutes, and countless others. Come listen to the memorable sounds of swing music, the singing and shouting of church choirs, and the lonely plea of a mournful spiritual.

"A Renaissance In Harlem" is an essential addition to the historical record of the African-American experience, a startling re-creation of a lost era in the life of New York City, and a valuable look at the early writings of two masters of American literature. Filled with humor, compassion, outrage and hope, it is an upliftingcelebration of a place and people integral to the American story.

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction, American History

302 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Rick Rapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating collection of essays written about Harlem by WPA writers, this book contains many jewels and insights into a noteworthy period in African-American history. Some essays are humorous, some informative, and some disturbing. All are worthy of our attention. One of the many interesting features of this collection is the presence of the writer "Vivian Morris." What makes her presence so intriguing is that there is no trace of this person anywhere in any historical records, leading to the assumption that someone was using a pseudonym while recording the incidents of daily life in Harlem during the 1930s. Other writers are far more familiar. The fact that these essays were "lost" for decades is another reason to celebrate the fact that they resurfaced and provide firsthand knowledge into this remarkable milieu.

[Trudy Ferrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

West = Obligatory read. Her discounted milieu is what makes her such a phenomenal writer, imo. She is humble and gracious; Two attributes you hardly see paired.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. The individual stories were touching and heartfelt. Very worthwhile reading.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book because I was looking for information about Father Divine. I found raw, emotional stories about life. Real life for so many.