A Beautiful Pageant

By David Krasner

Subjects: American drama, history and criticism, 20th century, Intellectual life, African Americans, African americans in literature, Harlem Renaissance, African Americans in literature, Theater, African American authors, Performing arts, African americans in the performing arts, African American theater, History and criticism, American drama, Aufführung, African Americans in the performing arts, New york (n.y.), intellectual life, History, Harlem renaissance

Description: "The Harlem Renaissance was the time when Harlem came alive with theatre, drama, sports, dance and politics. David Krasner paints a vibrant portrait of the exciting years 1910 to 1927 and the diverse events they encompassed: the prizefight between Jack Johnson and Jim "White Hope" Jeffries; the first glimpse of new dance styles pioneered by Aida Overton Walker and Ethel Waters; the social significance of Zora Neale Hurston's play, Color Struck; and the extravagant productions of Star of Ethiopia pageants that emphasized African heritage. These were the fertile years when the residents of northern Manhattan were at the vanguard of artistic ferment, leading their downtown counterparts while at the same time playing a pivotal role in one of the most important political movements of the twentieth century: black nationalism."--BOOK JACKET.