Glossary
Dignified Portrayals
The intentional creation of images that showcase the humanity, diversity, and resilience of Black communities, directly opposing racist caricatures.
Example:
Many artists of the Harlem Renaissance focused on creating dignified portrayals of Black individuals, emphasizing their grace, intelligence, and cultural richness.
Distinctive Black Aesthetic
A unique visual style developed during the New Negro Movement that emphasized and celebrated Black cultural identity and experiences through artistic expression.
Example:
The use of specific lighting, composition, and subject matter in certain portraits from the 1920s helped establish a distinctive Black aesthetic in photography, reflecting cultural pride.
Great Migration
The mass movement of millions of African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North, Midwest, and West during the early 20th century.
Example:
The rapid growth of cities like Chicago and New York in the early 1900s was largely fueled by the Great Migration, as Black families sought new opportunities and escaped Jim Crow laws.
James Van Der Zee
A central photographer of the New Negro Movement whose extensive work documented diverse Black experiences in Harlem, challenging stereotypes and recasting global perceptions of African Americans.
Example:
Through his iconic studio portraits, James Van Der Zee captured the elegance, aspirations, and everyday lives of Harlem residents, creating an invaluable historical archive.
New Negro Movement Photography
A visual arts movement within the New Negro era that used photography to celebrate Black culture, identity, and everyday life, fostering pride and self-determination.
Example:
The vibrant street scenes and studio portraits from the 1920s, capturing the essence of urban Black life, are hallmarks of New Negro Movement Photography.
Photography as a Tool
The strategic use of visual media by Black scholars, artists, and activists to counter negative stereotypes and promote positive self-representation and social change.
Example:
During the Civil Rights Movement, photographers used photography as a tool to expose injustices and rally public support for equality and desegregation.
Racist Depictions
Harmful and dehumanizing portrayals of African Americans, often seen in minstrel shows and caricatures, used to perpetuate negative stereotypes.
Example:
The widespread use of blackface in early American entertainment was a prime example of racist depictions that distorted Black identity for comedic effect.
Social Commentary and Resistance
The use of artistic or cultural expression, such as photography, to critique societal issues, challenge oppressive systems, and advocate for change.
Example:
Many blues songs from the early 20th century served as powerful forms of social commentary and resistance, subtly addressing racial injustice and hardship.
UNIA Influence
The impact of Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) philosophy, promoting Black pride, self-reliance, and economic independence, on African American communities.
Example:
The widespread adoption of red, black, and green colors in clothing and banners demonstrated the visible UNIA influence in many Black communities during the early 20th century.