The 1920s were a time when the economy was “roaring” with newfound consumerism. Because of the economic boom, middle class Americans could afford to purchase items formerly available to only the wealthy class such as cars and electrical appliances. This economic boom created a highly materialistic consumer culture. Because of Prohibition, Americans were forced to retreat to underground and hidden speakeasies to get their alcoholic beverages. These speakeasies often were found in African American neighborhoods that hosted jazz bands. Once jazz music took off, society hopped on the bandwagon. Langston Hughes writes “white people began to come to Harlem in droves” (1126). Even though the whites came to black neighborhoods, they still “were not
