The term "New Negro" was first coined by African American writer and sociologist Alain Locke in 1925. Locke used the term in his book "The New Negro: An Interpretation," which sought to redefine African American identity and culture in the aftermath of the Harlem Renaissance. The term "New Negro" represented a shift away from the negative stereotypes and assumptions that had long defined African Americans in American society. Locke believed that the "New Negro" was an emerging generation of African Americans who were educated, politically conscious, and dedicated to social progress. He argued that these individuals were reshaping African American identity and culture in ways that challenged traditional notions of race and ethnicity. Locke's concept of the "New Negro" became a touchstone for African American artists, writers, and intellectuals during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.