CELEBRATING TWO VOICES OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE

This program is dedicated to exploring the lives and works of two iconic figures whose voices and visions were instrumental in shaping the Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal period in American cultural history that celebrated African American cultural and artistic expression.

Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun provides an intimate look at the life of Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most significant and influential writers of the last century. Known for her vibrant prose, her portrayal of African American culture in the rural South, and her seminal works like Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston was a formidable force in American literature. This film captures her spirited journey through the heights of the Harlem Renaissance to her quieter, yet impactful later years.

Claude McKay: From Harlem to Marseille tracks the extraordinary life of Claude McKay, a key literary figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a pioneering voice in modern black literature. McKay’s work ranged from militant sonnets championing the rights of black workers in America to introspective narratives of his experiences as a black man in a racially charged society. His travels from Harlem to Marseille and beyond offered him unique perspectives that influenced his prolific writing career.

Together, these films offer a profound insight into the lives of two remarkable artists who not only defined a generation but also left an indelible mark on literature and culture.