Harlem Children's Zone

Eileen Myles, a sixty-seven year old poet and activist, has over the course of their life written poetry, essays, novels, libretto and plays. They were born in 1949 and later graduated from UMass, Boston. In the mid-70s they moved to New York City to work as an assistant to Pulitzer-Prize winning poet, James Schuyler, in pursuit of living and growing as a poet. Myles’ identity is made up of many dovetailing parts; they are gender-neutral, a poet, a “dyke,” child of the working class and later a…

Giovanni’s Room: Exposing Racism and Homophobia. James Baldwin was an African American author; he wrote literature in the form of novels, short stories, essays, and literary criticism. Baldwin was born in 1924, in New York City, and grew up in Harlem, during the Harlem Renaissance. Much of the literary influences from that decade were sparks of inspiration for the author. While growing up, the young author was aware of the importance of education; he knew it was a path to freedom, leaving behind…

their purpose in the world whether they find it early or later in life. In the story “Sonny's Blues” by James Baldwin talks about a character named Sonny, who is searching for his purpose in the world because he feels trapped in a dark place called Harlem in New York City. With the power of music Sonny, was able to find his purpose that he was always searching for. The powerful music that not only saved him but, saved other souls as well. As many people search for their purpose and what they…

Walt Whitman, through his works, appears to display a view of equality and tolerance as a part of his mission to create great American poetry. However, despite his seemingly harmless portrayals of certain minority groups in America, mainly African-Americans and Native Americans, Whitman often reinforces the dominant views expressed by those in his own time. Moreover, he subconsciously celebrates colonialism by his praises and encouragements of westward expansion. While Whitman does sometimes…

interpretation I definitely related this line to two things. The poem starts off letting the reader know about America’s history and racial oppression. This poem was written during the Harlem Renascence which was between the 1920’s and 30’s, so during those times it was not easy being African American let alone being an author. The Harlem Renaissance was actually what drew black authors, artists and musicians to come out. So when Hughes decides to put this piece out he intended to let the world…

During the mid twentieth century, racism began to climax in the United States. Tensions of racial differences erupted. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. solidified his position as leader of the African Americans and the struggle for equality. King spoke at many rallies and events. The most notable being his “I Have a Dream” speech. This speech remains one of the most powerful and influential speeches in history. King gave the speech on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial. King attracted nearly…

Similar to kings’ beliefs on equality stood Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes was an American poet and social activist whose poetic themes targeted African American Culture, furthermore bringing about his conurbations to the Harlem Renaissance. Two of his poems titled, “Harlem” and “Negro” Hughes uses several elements of poetry to portray the theme, such as similes, diction, imagery and tone. His theme goes to show when you give up on your dream, consequences may arise. Langston wants people to…

Morrison has created memorable African American characters who struggled to live their lives as full individuals with their triumphs and tragedies. Her characters overcome the brutality of slavery, racial and economic oppression and sexism; they depend on their own inner strengths, spirituality and love of their African American culture. In her writings, Morrison shows the invisible bonds of the African American community. According to Morrison, her characters go through difficult circumstances.…

Langston Hughes is an African American novelist and a social activist who demonstrates the conflict black Americans often encounter through his eloquent writing. Hughes has written numerous stories that acknowledges the discrimination in America, and his short story “Home” is a prime example of his moving work. “Home” follows an ill black violinist, Roy Williams, who returns back home to the United States after a brief stay in Europe. Unfortunately, he returned to his small southern hometown…

Harlem Renaissance Writers “We Negro writers, just by being black, have been on the blacklist all our lives. Censorship for us begins at the color line” - Langston Hughes. During the 1900s, there was a lot of discrimination towards black people because of their skin colour. As a result,the “New Negro Movement started in Harlem, New York, which later on evolved into “The Harlem Renaissance.” It was an influential period for black writers such as Langston Hughes, poet of works such as “Harlem”…