Background Knowledge
Poetry is an art form that uses human language for its aesthetic qualities rather than just its meaning. It includes oral and written works in which language is used in a way distinct from ordinary prose and intended to be appreciated by both the creator and the audience.24
Free verse poetry frees poets from traditional structure, providing freedom in rhythm and an optional rhyme scheme. This form is ideal for beginners to poetry and is commonly used in contemporary works. Its prominence began in the 19th century, offering a more flexible alternative to structured forms.25
Erasure poetry, or blackout poetry, entails concealing or removing significant portions of an existing text to create something new. The objective is to derive fresh meaning from the remaining text and establish a dialogue between the new and original texts. This form of poetry provides an avenue for creative exploration using sources such as books, magazines, and newspapers.26
Ekphrastic poetry draws inspiration from visual art, such as paintings or sculptures. It is not tied to a specific form but emphasizes the connection between poetry and art. Poets often vividly describe art and convey emotional responses, creating a distinctive expression connecting visual and literary domains.27
The Harlem Renaissance was a period of vibrant artistic and cultural activity among African Americans from the end of World War I (1917) to the start of the Great Depression and the lead-up to World War II (the 1930s). Artists in the movement expressed pride in Black life and identity, a growing awareness of inequality and discrimination, and an interest in the rapidly changing modern world. Many of these artists experienced newfound freedom of expression through the arts.28
The Great Migration was one of the most significant movements of people in United States history. Approximately six million Black people moved from the American South to Northern, Midwestern, and Western states from the 1910s until the 1970s. The main reasons for this mass movement were to escape racial violence, seek economic and educational opportunities, and break free from the oppression of Jim Crow laws.29
Langston Hughes, a poet and writer, became well-known during the Harlem Renaissance after his first poem was published in 1921. His initial poetry collection was released in 1926. As one of the first Black Americans to support himself as a writer, Hughes created numerous poems, essays, and plays that focused on the 20th-century African American experience and continue to have a significant impact today. Some of his most famous poems include “Dreams,” “I, Too,” and “Harlem.” He also wrote a popular column for the Chicago Defender. Hughes passed away in May 1967 in his mid-sixties due to prostate cancer.30
After publishing his first poetry books, Claude McKay relocated to Harlem, New York. There, he became a leading literary figure advocating for social justice during the Harlem Renaissance. His significant literary works include novels, essays, and poems like "If We Must Die" and "Harlem Shadows." Claude McKay died on May 22, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois.31
Jacob Lawrence was a celebrated African American artist known for his vibrant series of artworks, including the Migration Series and War Series. These works depicted the African American experience using vivid colors and featuring Black and brown figures. In addition to his artistic contributions, Lawrence also taught art at the University of Washington for 15 years.32
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