The Harlem Renaissance movement was led by a group of DREAMERS. The artists, writers, musicians, singers, educators, and activists of the time had to be inspired by vivid dreams of a better America because they injected innovative and fresh ideas into the American culture, in spite of racial segregation. Although Harlem was the epicenter of their dreams, the impact of these “dreamers” has had a global and sustainable impact on music, art, and literature. In addition, their avant-garde approach to social literature (“writin is fightin”) sent especially strong political blows to a society that was not so accepting of African Americans – once upon a time – but the dream lives on today.
Analyze the poems of Langston Hughes and the artwork of Jacob Lawrence. Interpret their dreams and/or explain their work. What are your dreams?
Dreams
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Langston Hughes
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Jacob Lawrence
Dreams came from the souls of pioneers of the Harlem Renaissance. Their vivid imaginations have inspired people throughout the world. We will peek into their dreams by analyzing the work of prominent figures of this time period, such as, Jacob Lawrence, Langston Hughes and others. We hope students will understand that all their dreams can come to fruition with perserverance, dedication and lots of imagination
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Are you interested in learning more about the Great Migration of African Americans to the North - particularly to Harlem? If so, check out http://suitcasescience.weebly.com/ for more information. This site was created by students to explain the factors that led to one of the greatest population shifts in our history and the affect it has had on the world.
SPEECH TO THE YOUNG
Gwendolyn Brooks was a famous, post Harlem Renaissance poet from Chicago that was deeply inspired by Langston Hughes as a child - just like many of you. She was the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1949 for her second book of poetry, "Annie Allen
The rapid growth of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance was due to:
Graduation
Jacob Lawrence
65 comments:
Wow, I really enjoyed looking at your site Oliver. I never knew so much history was found right here is Harlem. Thank you.
"Mother to Son"
Well, son,
I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Langston Hughes
This is a classic poem by Hughes. What metaphor is the mother using to explain life?
Don't you feel like you know Langston? Or, that he knows you? I do. He writes with such clear, simple images about such complicated and difficult ideas. He is fearless about the painful parts of life which allows more space for all of the joy. His words make me want to be brave.
Langston Hughes has inspired me with his knowledge of poetry. His poems have taught me many new things about life. His poems express the feelings of how life is hard but you cant give up on your dreams. I will never give up on my dream to become the world's greatest game designer.
Lawerence's work and the titles do have a connection like the title "How The Blues Can Get You" this painting shows a woman sitting on a chair looking depressed. She could be depressed because she doesn't know about her future because she came from the south to the north so she doesn't really know what will happen in the future
Langston Hughes' poem Dreams has a message. A message that says you should never give up on your dream. Even though your dreams might not happen as fast as you want. You can't give up on trying to succeed. This poem can inspire anyone if they took the time to read it, like I did. It has inspired me to always try harder because if I dont, my dreams won't come true.
This poem "Mother to Son" is saying that even if you have up's and down's, rights and wrongs, you can still climb those stairs of life. You never fall completely down because of one wrong mistake.
The metaphor that the mother is trying to explain in the poem by Langston Hughes “Mother to Son” is that life has not been easy for her. She has been through a lot and went through stuff that has been hard for her. She is telling her son not to give up and to keep on going that life isn’t easy at all. I like this poem because it's true. Life isn’t easy for anybody and it doesn’t get any easier. It talks about a mother trying to tell her son something about her life.
To me this poem represents that you have to have dreams. It means that without dreams life has no meaning. This poem reaches out and speaks to me about dreams and how without dreams there is nothing to strive for. Finally, this poem shows me that if you dont have hope for your dreams the life has no possible meaning.
Matt I could'nt agree more with what you have said. Langston Hughes knows how to express the true life lessons you will learn or already did learn in life. He knows how to say this in an amzaing poetic flow. "Dreams" is a very inspiring poem. People should'nt give up on their dreams because you will feel like a failure. Dreams will always be there even if you move on to another dream, so just dont give up on what you really want.
Dreams will vanish if you do not chase after them. If you follow your dreams and perservere you will be what you want to be in life.
The poem "Dreams" is an amazing poem! This lets everyone know to always follow your dreams and never give up, even if something comes in the way. Never let your dreams die, always keep it alive.My dream is to become a famous performer and I am never going to give up on it!
I think that the poem "Dreams" was informative. The moral of the poem is angelic and motivating. It's how life is. The obstacles are hard and tough but you have to keep on moving ahead no matter what. Even my dream might be hard but I shall overcome each and every obstacle.
If you have a dream, hold on to it and make it become a reality. If you let this dream go, you're going to leave part of yourself behind.
Langston Hughes was a very famous african american. He has inspired us all with his famous poetry. Many people like poetry. Since I started reading the Harlem Renaissance, I liked the famous art work, and the models. My favorite art model was the car models which inspired me to be a famous car creator
I love Langston Hughes' poems, especially "Mother to Son". It makes me want to be a poet - that's how much it has inspired me. I hope to become a better writer by studying his work. I am thankful to my new hero Langston Hughes.
This piece means to hold on to all of your dreams that you have no matter what they are and never let them go. This poem is related to the youth and the elderly. Also, follow your dreams whatever you want to be in life. Ex: a singer, dancer, doctor, etc.
Matheus, I believe that we see eye to eye. This poem is telling me to hold on to my goals (my dreams) in life. For if I let them go my life will be harder. Langston Hughes is very inspiring and I admire all of his poems. Dreams keep me going in life. I never look back I just keep moving forward.
The message Langston Hughes is sending to me in this piece is if you don't have any dreams... life is meaningless. Dreams come one after another and you have to strive in order to accomplish the things you desire. It's all up to YOU!
Everyone has dreams no matter how old or young you are.If you have no dreams your life is boring.This poem inspires me to follow my dreams and chase my dreams until I reach them!!!I guess I'll be dreaming forever because life is one big dream.
Hughes is my idol!!! He has contributed to my poetry skills. I like all of his poems because there is a lesson in all of them.
The poem "Dreams' had a message just like "Mother to son" and "Heidi your right". It seems like Langston Hughes knows me because of his connection in his words that he expresses. The poem "Dreams" basically mentioned that you should never stop trying for your dreams. If you do give up on your dreams you end up being broken with an empty place inside.
The message that is being sent in the poem "Dreams," is that one should never let go of their objectives nor their life standards. Dreams are what keeps us going no matter how life surprises us. During our long journey towards happiness, hope is what gets us there. Life is about setting high goals for ourselves and until the very last second of our life, we should never let go of our dreams.
From my perspective, the meaning this poem displays is the fact that people should never give up. You must always attempt to follow your dreams. Strive to be the best no matter how time flies. This piece motivates people to never let go of their hopes and aspirations. Never stop trying until you reach the sky.
These comments are wonderful! We love that you are making connections with other bloggers. Check out the website Ms. N told us about today. It showcases the work of another Harlemite, Romare Bearden - at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Just click the link and ENJOY!
Langston Hughes lets you feel what he went through when he was younger. In "Mother to Son", he shares with us what his mother must of told him when he was young. He is a good role model for young children.
Langston Hughes taught me so much through his work. He taught me how to never give up on myself,and my dreams no matter what anyone says. I love to read his peoms.
One of Jacob Lawrence's pieces is named “How Blues Can Get You”. This piece shows an African American woman sitting in a chair all alone. This has to be one of my favorite pieces in his collection. It shows a lot of sadness and how some African Americans were in a state of depression. “The March” is a piece which signifies to me how they overcame oppression. It shows everyone that they are not afraid. The “Graduation” shows that many African Americans moved on from all their struggles. Today, they are equal to everyone else, like it should have been. This shows me that anything is possible and that you can do whatever you want no matter what it is. It has also showed me that I don’t have to worry about what anyone else has to say. I just need to worry about what I have to do to reach my dream.
I love Langston Hughes' poems! Each one evokes a different sentiment. His descriptions, metaphors and analogies help us all to connect to his imagery and meaning in each priceless piece of his writing.
The idea of reaching for your dreams is universal. The ability to articulate that in writing is a gift. I have enjoyed reading all of your inspirational posts. They have made my day, I feel like I can take on the trials of my schedule. Thank you so much.
Lillian Spatola said...WOW....I am extremely excited about this blog and your responses make me proud to be your teacher. Not only has Langston Hughes inspired me to reach for the summit...but all of YOU have made me reach a pinnacle point in my career as your teacher! Congrats to all of you and my colleagues as well!
Imani said...
Brianni... I believe Langston Hughes is a great role model for our young children. He is trying to tell us to hold on to our dreams and never let them go. When you let them go it will lead you to a dead end. His poem inspiered me to dream big. I have a dream but I believe my dream is too big for this world.When you believe you will achieve and hopefully my dream of becoming a singer will come true.
Quadirah...
I believe we feel the same way...
because even if something is getting hard
don't give up keep trying and working
hard.Eventually you will achieve
your goal...the thing you have been working hard for.Keep working hard because hard work pays off so you might get that dream you always
wanted and wished for.
So "Mother to Son" and "Dreams"
inspiried me to work hard and never
give up... I will reach my goal one day.
Adrian M. said:I really enjoy reading "Mother to Son" because I learn that I don't have to give up my dreams if I want to reach them. Especially learned that when you grow up life is not a crystal stair, and you have to face many difficult times. Another great poem was "Dreams" and the theme was that if you want to acclomphish your dreams you'll have to wait and work hard. when I think in my dream it give me the strenght to keep going and don't turn back. My dream is to become a professional in technology, but for that I have to work very hard and don't turn back.
There is one more thing and it's about Jacob Lewrences' painting. I really love the painting that shows a woman depressed because she doesn't know what to do in a new place.
Reading history books and poems is something I love to do. Everytime I read writing by Langston Hughes or any other writers, I just get into it.Their upstrong inspires me to write better everyday. If it weren't for books or them,my will to literacy would'nt be there.
Bernard said...
Surema and Edison I couldn't agree with you more.... I believe that if Langston Hughes was still alive so we could meet him. Learn more about life and how he put real life in his poems. The poem dream has a message to not only black american culture but to all people!!!!!! Never let your dream pass you by........ Go after them!!!! In mother to son when it says.''Life for me ain't been no crystal stair''..... What the mother is saying her dreams didn't come to her she had to go out and get them..... But all of them weren't perfect dreams some were nightmares......
There was a plethora of female voices that influenced art, music, film, literature, and the socio-political scene of Harlem. Their impact was strong and inspired people from around the world. Read and interpret the following quote and poem by two brilliant female HARLEMITES.
"I have been in Sorrow's kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and sword in my hands."
By Zora Neale Hurston
I’m folding up my little dreams
Within my heart to-night,
And praying I may soon forget
The torture of their sight.
For Time’s deft fingers scroll my brow
With fell relentless art-
I’m folding up my little dreams
To-night, within my heart!
By Georgia Douglas Johnson
Desiree said:
Caitlyn... I couldn't agree more.Langston Hughes has a great poetic influence on me.He also taught me not to give up on my dreams because if I do it will never come true.I believe the poem "Mother to Son" is trying to tell me that no matter what difficult times I go through, I shouldn't give up on my dreams.
Matias Said....
Melinda.... I could not agree with you more about Langston Hughes both poems ''Dreams'' and 'Mother To Son' inspired me because to me his poems have a message never give up. When I think about it my Dreams give me the strenth to keep going and don't turn back. The poem touched me by teaching me a lot about life.
Jennifer I agree with you on the fact that the poem means to never give up on your dreams. You must never stop to acheive your hopes and dreams and in the poem Dreams I believe that its basically saying for everyone to hold on to their dreams because without a dream there is no point for your life's future. Having trouble fulfilling your dream should never make you let go of it!
Anonymous I feel the same way that dreams are universal. I think that without dreams life would not have a meaning. Dreams are what makes you want to get up in the morning. Without dreams what would we live for? Langston Huges inspired me to have big dreams and never give up.
I beleve that you should hold on to your dreams and never let go. To me this poems says to never quit on dream. A person will always have a dream. Even when one is fulfilled there will always be more dreams ahead. Langston Hughs inspires many people including me with this poem.
Listen to one of your classmates recite "Speech to the Young" by Gwendolyn Brooks, who was once a protégé of the great Langston Hughes(teachertube video below). What do the last three lines of the poem mean to you?
"Live not for battles won
Live not for the end-of-the-song
Live in along"
Why did the harlem renaissance happen....?
The poem "Speech to the Young" to me means, don't let people put you down! Always think positive and keep your head held up high. Never let anybody put you down. You have a long life ahead of you so just think positive and everything will be fine.
I can relate to the quote by Zora Neale Hurston when she says "I have been in Sorrow's kitchen and licked out all the pots” I have also been lonely and also now how it feels. Then she says “Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and sword in my hands." which means she has also been very, very happy. I think every body has once felt this way because I have been very happy but I have also been very sad at times.
The peom "Speech To The Young" what it means to me is that many people will try to bring you down but you have to keep moving up. When the peom says "Even if you are not ready for day it cannot always be night", this is saying that you might have some bad days but you have to keep mopving up. For example when you dont get something you cant always whine about it you have to grow up and move.
I like the poem that Tiera was reading was good and how that they show pictures about the story.Also the other students from other 8th grade classes read what they know about the Harlem Reniassance.
In the peom Speech to the Young It explains on how life has many people who try to bring you down. They will try to get you to give up on your dreams but you must not let them. Never let any one get in the way of you and your dreams.
I think the poem "Speech to the Young" can inspire everyone. It is so inspirational. Everyone should listen to it.I think that the verse from the poem means that you should not just live for some things and that you should live for everything that passes you by. You should never just throw away your life and you should live it.
Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "Speech to the Young" is an inspiration to me. Having to describe people's actions towards other people. To me, I believe that most people destroy other people life’s without any conscience whatsoever. Personally, I've seen people turn on each other people for the most ridulous purposes and it's sometimes childish when you hear the story. But at the same time you must pick yourself up, even if it takes years of depression. Let it go, and the better off you'll be. Be the bigger person in the situation in one way.
The poem "Speech to the Young" means if you are feeling sad you don't want anyone putting you down if you're already down. For example, the lines in the poem "Even if you are not ready,for the day it cannot always be night." I have personally experienced night (dark) situations; therefore, I can connect to this poem
At the end of the poem "Speech to the Young" by Gwendolyn Brooks it say "Live not for battles won, Live not for the end-of-the-song, Live in along" meaning don’t worry about what happens whether it’s good or bad live for today not yesterday and move ahead.
"I have been in Sorrow's kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and sword in my hands."
By Zora Neale Hurston
My understanding is that Zora Hurston is trying to tell us that before you experience the joy, you might have to go through the pain first. Like in Mother to son, "Life hasn't been no Crystal stair.."
Alot of these African American artists and Poets have gone through alot of issues and situations that made them stronger, wiser, and everything that happens, happens for a reason. When something goes wrong you ussualy learn from it.
In the poem Mother to Son' I liked how the mother was was letting her son know that "life for her aint been no crystal stair." So, she acutally flashed back to her life and you can actually picture her in the dark with "no light and boards torn up, an places with no carpet on the floor."
The poem DREAMS it saying to me that no matter what we go trough and no matter how hard it gets, you still need to hold on tight to your deams and to NEVER let them go. Also you should not NEVER let your dreams go because of what someone else thinks.
I think that Zora Neale Hurston's poem is beautiful. To me, when she says I have been in sorrows kitchen and licked out all the pots, it means that she has been down but she picks her self up. Also when she says that she has stood on a peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows with a sword and a harp in my hands, it means that she is gentle but strong.
To have dreams is a beautiful way to live happily. When Langston Hughes wrote the poem "Dreams" he wants to show that everyone needs to have dreams. A person who doesn't have dreams doesn't have goals, in their lives. Dreams make our life! You need to dream so you can make your life true and happy.
Langston Hughes on his poem "Dreams" was trying to tell us that we have to hold on to all the opportunities that life gives us. Life has obstacles which we must overcome. We should never give up. Who does not have a dream do not have a life. Dreams are our wings for the sucess.
WONDERFUL RESPONSES - keep up the great work!!!
The following questions are things you can BLOG ABOUT:
What were some of the major factors that led to the Harlem Renaissance (study the VIDEO and other online sources)? Explain the connection between the title "The Soul is Global" and the affect of the Harlem Renaissance throughout the world. If you are comfortable, share some of the hopes and dreams of your family's MIGRATION STORY to Newark, NJ.
The poem “Dreams’’ by Langston Hughes, tells me how dreams will go away easily, if you let your dreams die. You have to fight for what you want. Not all dreams come true, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop dreaming for what you wish to happen. Without dreams lives would be boring.
Dreams
If no one has dreams, there is no reason to live, without dreams life would be boring. A dream makes you work harder to achieve your goal. I have a dream, too. My dream is to become a professional soccer player. I want to play for the most important team in the world and be the most respected soccer player. If you have a dream you should work hard no matter where or who you are. You can make your dream come true. You just need to believe in yourself, and don’t ever let go of your dream, Grab on tight and fight for it, it just can come true, if you believe.
Dreams
My dream is to get a good education and have a high position in a job. I want to have a good future and my dream is to help those who need help. I like the poem ‘’Dreams’’ by Langton Hughes because it influences us to keep dreaming about something that we really want to have.
Grisery R.
Check out the link above for the world reknown artist Romare Bearden - go to "LOOK CLOSELY" section on the website. Look at his work and interpret the meaning of this statement:"I lost the literalness and moved into where my imagination took me. I x-rayed the facades with my imagination."
What an incredible job you did! Congrats to the staff and students. Your principal is so proud of you! Love, Mrs. Golden
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