IOC Poetry Background

Question 1

Where did Hughes go to work on a film?

Answer 1

the Soviet Union –> he saw comm. as an alternative to segregation

Question 2

For what time period was Hughes a news correspondent?

Answer 2

The Spanish Civil War

Question 3

What were the goals of the Harlem Renaissance?

Answer 3

Redefine what it meant to be AA, uplift minorities, and revive/celebrate AA culture.

Question 4

What was the difference between expectation and reality in the Great Migration?

Answer 4

They had great expectations in the North, but some racism still existed and it was not as food as they hoped. They left because of segregation and still faced bad treatment.

Question 5

What was the Birmingham Bombing?

Answer 5

In the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Mostly AA congregation and KKK blew up the church on a Sunday morning.

Question 6

What was seen as a motivation for the Birmingham Bombing?

Answer 6

Integration Laws for Education

Question 7

What was the “Double V” campaign?

Answer 7

African Americans fighting against the axis and to find their freedom.

Question 8

What did Sam Solomon do?

Answer 8

Jim crow laws barred AAs from voting –> Sam Solomon tried to gather people to march in Miami to gain voting rights. the KKK wanred against it, but it turned out to be a blukff. –> signaled the end of the KKK and became a future rallying point for AA leaders

Question 9

What were some accomplishments of WEB Dubois?

Answer 9

1st AA to attend Harvard, taught @ UPenn, and was a leading AA thinker.

Question 10

WEB Dubois and civil rights?

Answer 10

He was the foudner of the NAACP, lead some protests post WWI (disparity in racial treatment during the war), but he never took place in the “Civil Rights Movememjnnt” in the 50s and 60s

Question 11

What was “The Negro Problem”?

Answer 11

An essay by WEB –> discussed being a minority and what it felt like. It also discussed conflicting identities between AAs and their uniqueness.

Question 12

How did Jazz influence people?

Answer 12

It influenced young people to rebel against traditional culture.

Question 13

What was the blues?

Answer 13

A more serious form of song that tells the sad stories of everyday life. Influenced by jazz.

Question 14

Who was Bessie Smith?

Answer 14

the most common blues musician. Sung of poverty, depression, and the cruel world.

Question 15

Who were three major female singers of the time?

Answer 15

Marian Anderson, Dorothy Maynor, and Billie Holiday.

Question 16

Who was Marian Anderson?

Answer 16

A talented singer who could not afford lessons. Not pop. because of race.

Question 17

Who was Dorothy Anderson?

Answer 17

Made a lot of AA firsts in music.

Question 18

Who was Billie Holiday?

Answer 18

The leading blues singer of her time. Began in Harlem.

Question 19

What is the significance of female AA singers?

Answer 19

Came from little to be well known and were influential role models for AAs and women of their time.

Question 20

What were the origins of blues?

Answer 20

Influenced by AA slave songs –> lyrics express feelings rather than telling a story.

Question 21

Who was Mamie Smith?

Answer 21

She paved the pathway for the spread of blues into cities.

Question 22

Who was Gertrude “Ma” Rainey?

Answer 22

Known as the “mother of blues” and influenced Langston Hughes. Incorporated authentic southern sound into her music.

Question 23

Who was Louis Armstrong?

Answer 23

Trumpet/coronet player who worked with large bands to make a name for himself. Legendary.

Question 24

What was the cotton club?

Answer 24

A nightclub/speakeasy in Harlem with plantation decoration and music supposed to create a jungle atmosphere and the AA staff depicted as exotic savages. Many entertainers were prolific Jazz/blues artists of their time.

Question 25

What was the Apollo Theater?

Answer 25

Originally the all-white club (Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque). Then changed to the 125th street Apollo Theater then the Apollo. A black club. Gained landmark status.

Question 26

Who was father divine?

Answer 26

He led the international peace missions movement (deseg. and anti-lynch. protests - peaceful). Many thought he was a cult leader.

Question 27

Who was Canada Lee?

Answer 27

A renaissance man: music since 7, equestrian stuff, boxed for 10 years, an actor (1st non-stereotypical AA part), and dedicated to equality (his roles made that clear)

Question 28

Who was Earl Hines?

Answer 28

Revolutionary jazz pianist. Developed “trumpet style” piano playing.