The Harlem Renaissance–the famous flowering of African-American music, art, literature, and thought–had its start about 100 years ago, right as World War I was coming to a close.
Now Harlem Renaissance 100, a project led by Harlem-based tour operator Harlem One Stop, is marking the period's one-hundred-year anniversary by launching a multi-year neighborhood celebration.
For the next two years, more than 20 cultural and community-based organizations–many of them true Harlem icons–will help commemorate the centennial with art exhibitions, concerts, dance workshops, talks, and more.
Participants include the Apollo Theater, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the National Jazz Museum, Harlem Stage, and the Wallach Art Gallery (see a portrait by Harlem Renaissance artist William H. Johnson, above, at the upcoming "Posing Modernity" show).
Anyone is welcome to preview the festivities at an open house this Friday, October 19 from 11am to 3pm in the Great Hall at City College of New York, featuring music, theater and dance performances.
Can't make it? Be sure to visit Harlem Renaissance 100 for a full schedule of upcoming events.
