CLEP US History II Practice Test 2025 - Free CLEP History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in the 1920s, primarily centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. One of its most significant themes was the exploration and expression of the injustices experienced by African Americans under the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the Southern United States.

Writers, musicians, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington used their work to highlight the struggles, resilience, and cultural identity of African Americans in the face of oppression. They sought to raise awareness of the social issues surrounding race relations and to celebrate black culture and heritage. This thematic focus was a direct response to the systemic racism and inequality that plagued the lives of African Americans during this period, making it a defining characteristic of the Harlem Renaissance.