Provides a detailed, factual account of the emergence and development of the Harlem Renaissance and its ongoing effect on American society. Features include a narrative overview, biographical profiles, primary source documents, detailed chronology, glossary, and annotated sources for further study.

Narrative overview: Black America after slavery -- Beginnings of the Harlem Renaissance -- Literature of the Harlem Renaissance -- Music and art of the Harlem Renaissance -- The end of the Harlem Renaissance -- The legacy of the Harlem Renaissance -- Biographies: Aaron Douglas (1899-1979) -- W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) -- Duke Ellington (1899-1974) -- Langston Hughes (1902-1967) -- Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) -- James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) -- Nella Larsen (1891-1964) -- Alain Locke (1885-1954) -- Paul Robeson (1898-1976) -- Bessie Smith (1894?-1937) -- Primary sources: W.E.B. Du Bois discusses Black hopes and dreams -- Alain Locke describes the emerging Black culture in Harlem -- Poetry of the Harlem Renaissance -- James Weldon Johnson praises the people and spirit of Harlem -- Langston Hughes comments on racial identity and artistic integrity -- Frankie Manning remembers the Savoy Ballroom -- Dorothy West recalls amateur night at Harlem's Apollo Theatre -- Langston Hughes remembers the Harlem Renaissance.