Paper 2 Draft

In the period of Jim Crow laws, African Americans founded a vibrant culture of art music and learning which helped to counter the dehumanizing and oppressive perceptions of white America.
The Jim Crow laws were established by the whites with power in order to keep blacks from getting a sense of equality. During the 20th century white people was unaware and unappreciative of the black culture. Blacks and whites during this time period only interacted on a superficial level. This kept the two sides from getting to know on another and also seeing each other as equal and human. Of course, we know that black were seen as human. But in this in particular case I use the term human to show how whites saw blacks as different.
During this time, the African American community was expanding from the south into Northern and Midwestern cities. New jobs and opportunities allowed for the upswing of the African American culture. Within the middle class artist and writers were finally getting the opportunity to express themselves emotionally. The community was able to expand because of the new opportunities available to African Americans. Better jobs, lead to better financial situations for the black community. This gave blacks the time to enjoy some of the luxuries in life, such as music making and art. This gave blacks the chance to finally express themselves and there culture.
Once the African American community established a solid middle class identity, they were free to peruse explorations in the unusual arts, including painting, drawing and photography. James Van Der Zee was a well known black photographer who’s pictures captured the pride and dignity of the black community. Showing whites without words that they indeed do enjoy some of the same luxuries.
Jazz was a form of music that the black community worshiped. It was a way in which blacks could showcase their intelligence and independence. It was a complex and difficult style of music, which impressed the white community. Jazz was truly created and raised in the streets of Harlem. The popularity of jazz transcended from traditional race relations, causing whites to travel to attend concerts in all black communities. Artist such as Duke Ellington and Billie Holladay used jazz to raise awareness of the on going injustices and difficulties of a racist America.
The black community during this time period felt as though education was the tool to success. That a smart and confident black African American can accomplish great things. One of the first well known black scholars was the ex-slave and well respected author Fredrick Douglas. In an article titled Introduction to the reason why the colored American is not in the world’s Columbian exposition, Fredrick discussed the importance towards the black community by saying “What the Negro has to do then, is to cultivate a courageous and cheerful spirit, use philosophy and exercise patience. He must embrace every avenue open to him for the acquisition of wealth. Douglas was encouraging his people to maintain a positive attitude and improve their lives through education.