Alain Locke
Born September 13, 1886
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died June 10, 1954
New York, New York
American philosopher, educator, editor, and writer
"All of us probably expected too much of the Negro Renaissance, but its new vitality of independence, pride, and self-respect, its scoff and defiance of prejudice and limitations were so welcome and heartening."
The most memorable achievements of the Harlem Renaissance did not just spring into life by magic. The movement's young writers and artists were nurtured and encouraged by a number of older figures, the most important of whom was writer-educator Alain Locke. A highly educated philosophy professor with a passionate dedication to both preserving African American culture and encouraging bold new art, Locke served as a kind of midwife (someone who aids in the birthing process) of the Harlem Renaissance. Through his work as a writer and editor—especially of the influential anthology The New Negro: An Interpretation—he also served as a proud voice explaining to a broad audience the background and aims of the Harlem Renaissance.
Parents Instilled Early Values
Locke was the descendent of a family of educated, free African Americans (they had been freed from slavery even before the end of the Civil War [1861–65]) who had been living for several generations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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