“We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame.”
— Langston Hughes, The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain
The Harlem Renaissance, or the “New Negro” movement, began in the early 1920s and was described as a social and artistic explosion. On this tour, you’ll embark on a journey through present-day Harlem to see the people and places of the Harlem Renaissance and discover why this period in American history was so magical and vital for African-American culture. Did you ever wonder where Swing Street/Jungle Alley was, or why 135th Street was such a crucial area during Harlem Renaissance? Now is the time to lace up your sneakers and bring your imagination.
On this Harlem Renaissance walking tour, discover some of the most beautiful theaters, ballrooms, and churches in Harlem that were jumping during the Renaissance. Throughout our journey, you will hear about, see, and feel the history of some of the most influential individuals who helped to cultivate this magic era known as the Harlem Renaissance — Langston Hughes (a leader through the Harlem Renaissance), Pig Foot Mary, Duke Ellington, Madame CJ Walker, Jacob Lawrence, James Van Der Zee, Zora Neale Hurston and many others.
Once the walking tour comes to a close, you will be treated to a delicious lunch at a local Harlem restaurant — an opportunity for you to try some of Harlem’s treats!
Welcome to Harlem takes pride in showing off our beautiful city and sharing the history of the Harlem Renaissance.