Renaissance Revived
The blossoming of black culture in Europe-American society became known as the Harlem Renaissance. This civilization did not come without a fight. Broken promises of liberation after Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), ruling in favor of racial separation, led to the Great Migration. Similar to headlines today, financial and social issues impact not only a region but the world. Detroit now resembles historical tragedies and triumphs surrounding the Harlem Renaissance.
Migration. After the 1896 case, the South became more and more economically depressed. Now, families flee the North. Detroit houses less than 800,000 residents, compared to nearly one million in 2000. This translates to 65 residents leaving everyday from 2000 to 2010. Counts haven’t been this low since 1910. It peaked at nearly two million in the 50s. Better incomes and environments for kids are found in the South. Flights out of Detroit are similar to declines seen in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.
“Black capital of America”. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) challenged President Obama’s policies, claiming he’s left unemployment and foreclosure unresolved. According to Detroit Free Press (2011), Michigan’s unemployment rate (10.9%) last month was the highest of this year. For blacks (586,573) who remain in Detroit, there has been a shift from Wayne to Oakland and Macomb County. Detroit ranks third in the U.S. for homes repossessed by lenders.
Like Dubois and many others, Detroiters and organizations are committed to fight against the disenfranchisement of blacks as they push new political agendas. CBC‘s “For the People”job tour was launched to help blacks find gainful employment. Public and private employers congregated at Wayne County Community College on Fort Street. Rep. John Conyers, the second longest surviving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, urges Americans to participate in a job protest at the White House this upcoming September.
Rebellion. Reminiscent of the Jazz Age at the conclusion of WWI, citizens reject wartime creed. The war with the Middle East promises blacks a round trip to devastation. Women are forced to cope with a bad economy, difficult transitions into another career, or long lines at the DHS office. Men are expected to join forces with the U.S. in attempts to lower gas prices that their girlfriends, wives, and family members find it troublesome to buy at home.
The Prohibition Act and alcohol were the conspiracy and craving of the Renaissance. Now, it is marijuana. An abundance of weed farms and legal disputes emerged from the smoke. Lawmakers plan to clarify state law allowing marijuana to be used for medical purposes. House Republican Mike Calton says his goal is to “ban areas where users gather to smoke… [social clubs will be illegal]”. Passed in 2008, Michigan has issued more than 80,000 registrations for marijuana. A Saginaw doctor is accused of certifying about 1,900 patients during visits without an examination. Speakeasies like the Cotton Club was exclusive to a talented minority, but approved admission to certain whites. Now, dispensaries are firing up everywhere.
Depression. Great Society policies (1963-1969) were intended to improve education, health care, and housing to relieve citizens of poverty and racism. However, some believe social welfare has contributed to the economic enslavement of blacks. Another element is state departments trusting private agencies to develop and retain family and community independence. Jobs, education, and training (JET) workers aren’t “for the people”, but getting by on the people. Supportive services are haphazardly enforced; which leaves low-income clients vulnerable to social differences.
The end of the Harlem Renaissance came at a time when the economy depressed the ambitions of the Roaring 20s talent. Blacks were hit hard by unemployment, home foreclosures, and increases in economic tension. Today blacks are at the same crossroad. Some utilize the arts to represent bold and thought provoking agendas, and increase awareness of social and political issues. Others produce institutions and businesses to support themselves and communities. Instead of shifting, a combination of culture and capitalism is needed–an optimistic attempt to stay afloat in yet another revival of the black community.