Harlem Renaissance

Hurston (1891-1960) was a novelist, poet, anthropologist, and folklorist who documented life across the African diaspora and stood as a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Her work focused on Black cultural traditions, spirituality, and the vibrant dynamics of Black communities across the Americas. Her most well known works were Their Eyes Were Watching God, Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica, and Mules and Men.

Artist Scultptor

Directed by Debbie Allen and set in 1930's Harlem, 'Stompin' at the Savoy' follows the lives of four friends as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and following their dreams in the vibrant world of jazz and swing dancing amidst the backdrop of World War II and the limitations imposed by class, gender, and racial prejudices.

Larsen (1891-1964) was a nurse, librarian, novelist, key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and the first black woman to graduate from the New York Public Library's Library School. She is best known for her two novels, "Quicksand" (1928) and "Passing" (1929), which explored complex themes of racial identity, mixed-race heritage, and the struggle for acceptance in both black and white communities. She also made history as the first African American woman to win a Guggenheim Fellowship for creative writing (1930).

Smith (1894 - 1937) was known as the Empress of the Blues and was preeminent during the Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance.

Andrews (1901-1993) was a Harlem It Girl, Librarian, Hostess, and Cultural Icon. She helped organize the Civic Club Dinner of 1924 - the purported birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance - and she became the first Black librarian appointed to lead a New York Public Library branch (115th St. Branch, 1938).

Author

Josephine Baker

Artist and Sculptor

The incomparable Lena Horne,

"To a Dark Girl" Something of old forgotten queens lurks in the lithe abandon of your walk. And something of the shackled slave sobs in the rhythm of your talk.

Journalist and Educator

On August 7, 1920 the New York Age published a story about four Black women who had been accepted by the New York Public Library for training. Catherine Latimer was one of the four. She became New York Public Library's first Black librarian.

"It seems I was born different. At least, I always thought I was."

Ada Beatrice Queen Victoria Louise Virginia Smith, called "Bricktop" for her fiery red hair, led an extraordinary life and was known by many names including The Queen of Paris Nightclubs.

"She sanging like the rent is due!"

Activist and Educator