Often termed the “Great Migration,” the post-Civil War period saw a great number of former slaves head north to supply the labor force for northern factories. This massive influx created the opportunity for African American intellectuals, businessmen and artists to reach a wide audience.
West Indian immigrants (defined as all persons originating in the Caribbean regardless of which island) brought with them the concepts of class-consciousness, socialism and racial pride. This fundamentally changed how the indigenous African American population viewed itself politically, economically, socially and artistically.
An alarming rise in hate crimes directed toward African Americans fomented a desire to humanize their race to counter it. They reasoned if there was nothing to fear, the hate crimes would subside.
It was considered the task of the “New Negro” to culturally define himself as the new ideas of immigrants changed his self-perception and this was done primarily through literature and the arts.
The desire to integrate more seamlessly into American society drove artists in Harlem to create vibrant works to change the perception of the African American in the eyes of the larger white community. Artistic success was trumpeted as evidence that the “New Negro” was indeed a positive influence on society.