1. Segregation policies:
At the time, the United States was characterized by strict racial segregation laws and policies. This meant that African Americans faced significant barriers to social integration and encounters with mainstream American culture.
2. The Great Migration:
The early twentieth century saw a significant movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North, Midwest, and West during the period commonly referred to as the Great Migration. This movement changed demographic landscapes and influenced cultural interactions.
3. Harlem Renaissance:
The Harlem Renaissance was a crucial cultural and artistic movement that emerged during the 1920s. Centered in Harlem, New York City, it witnessed an explosion of creativity in various fields, including music, literature, visual art, and theater. This blossoming of African American art forms enriched American culture as a whole.
4. Music and Entertainment:
Music played a significant role in African American culture during this period. Jazz music gained immense popularity and became globally recognized. Prominent musical figure such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith emerged, leaving a lasting impact on American music. Additionally, African Americans made notable contribution to popular entertainment, such as vaudeville and early film industries.
5. Military Service and Civil Rights Activism:
Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities, African Americans joined the military, motivated by a desire to fight for their country and prove their loyalty and patriotism. The war contributed to the rise of civil rights activism, with African Americans advocating for equal rights and a challenge existing racial practices.
6. Cultural Preservation:
African American also strived to preserve and celebrate their unique customs, traditions, and heritage. This was expressed in various forms, such as oral storytelling, spiritual, literature, and communal events.
In conclusion, African American culture during World War I was heavily influenced by the challenges and triumphs they experienced as the country grappled with racial tensions and sought to shape its national identity. While mainstream American culture often marginalized African Americans, their creativity, resilience, and contributions left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape.