Compare and Contrast: Harlem Renaissance vs. Civil Rights Movement

Both periods represent a time cultural upheaval throughout the black population. African Americans wanted to be recognized as equal, yet each movement has different qualities.

The Harlem Renaissance was a concentrated movement, that happened mostly in New York City and some parts of Chicago. On the other hand, the Civil rights movement spread all throughout America. It attracted black and white reformers, and created enough power to influence legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Also, the Harlem Renaissance was more of an artistic/cultural movement were as the Civil Rights Movement was more political. African Americans explored jazz music and the blues, and influenced many famous writers. Obliviously both periods had artist, music, and literature, but the Harlem Renaissance was a time to redefine the culture of African Americans.

Though the Harlem Renaissance may seem much smaller than the Civil Rights Movement, both are equally important. Without the Harlem Renaissance, which gave the black population something to be proud about, the next generation of civil righters would never have been ready to take on the task they did. Both movements are interconnected because they represent the struggle to win equal freedom for all.