Black creativity changed the world, so we should acknowledge its legacy

By Jaylynn Donaldson ’25

What would the world look like without Black creativity? The way we dress, the music we listen to, the trends we follow are all influenced by Black people. Black creativity has transcended through generations creating cultural importance and impact not just within the Black community, but the whole world.

Beginning in 1918 and lasting through the 1930s in Harlem, New York, Black musicians, poets, writers, and artists came together to celebrate Black culture; creative and intellectual life after centuries of oppression. This era is known as the Harlem Renaissance. Poetry was written by icons like Langston Hughes to express black pride and talk about racial injustices and other topics. Paintings and murals were also created to celebrate Black History, and African roots. 

Photo from Britannica: Louis Armstong. a famous trumpeter and vocalist, playing the trumpet. 

Music was also a big part of the Harlem Renaissance. Genres such as jazz and blues gained more popularity. Jazz and blues were influenced by Black/African spirituality and folk songs. which created sounds that mixed with African rhythms, gospel traditions and blues. These mixtures of sounds influenced and created many other genres that we know to this day such as punk, rock, techno, country, R&B and more. Without the Harlem Renaissance, a lot of American music wouldn’t exist. 

While the Harlem Renaissance celebrated and contributed to the spread of Black art, intellect and culture, film and television contributed to the growth of Black creativity. In the media, Black people have been portrayed in a negative light or through stereotypes but many Black creators have shifted these narratives to capture and celebrate the Black experience  in unique ways. 

Filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, Spike Lee, and Quinta Brunson tell stories that reflect the complexity of the Black experience. Black creators are getting more spots behind the scenes to craft worlds that reflect the real experience.

Black creativity has been used as a form of resistance, resilience, and an expression of Black pride. Black creators continue to innovate, and set trends that many follow. A world without Black creativity would be very bland.