By Mallory Nagler, Public Services Librarian
February 19, 2025
On the morning of December 9, 1885, nine women gathered for their first meeting at the Congregational Church, marking the humble beginnings of the Winter Park Library. Meanwhile, over 1,000 miles to the north, the Harlem neighborhood in northern Manhattan was just beginning to take shape, laying the foundation for its own remarkable story.
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural revival rooted in a transformative migration. Originally intended as an upper-class white neighborhood in the 1880s, Harlem became overdeveloped, leaving many buildings vacant. By the early 1900s, middle-class Black families began moving in from nearby neighborhoods. Simultaneously, prominent leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois played key roles in guiding waves of African Americans from the South to the North during what came to be known as the Great Migration, setting the stage for Harlem’s vibrant cultural awakening.
Several other factors fueled this migration as well. Natural disasters left many Black workers in the South unemployed, prompting them to head North in search of jobs and new opportunities. After the war, a decline in immigration led northern employers to recruit Black workers from the South to fill labor shortages. By 1920, nearly 300,000 African Americans and their families had relocated, with many choosing to settle in Harlem. This influx sparked a cultural explosion that transformed music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, and politics – an influence that continues to resonate today.
HeART & Soul 2025
Background:
At the Winter Park Library, we proudly celebrate Black culture through our annual event, HeART & Soul. This year, we are thrilled to present The Harlem Renaissance Experience in collaboration with Open Scene, bringing history and creativity to life.
Open Scene is a Latin-led cultural organization based in Orlando, dedicated to producing and showcasing high-quality artistic and humanistic experiences that promote empathy, multicultural understanding, and sustainability for artists.
They champion pluralism, diversity, and inclusion, enriching our community’s well-being and strengthening Florida’s cultural fabric by amplifying underrepresented voices and bridging gaps. Their innovative programs stimulate the integration of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds by creating spaces for thoughtful dialog, community cohesion, and cultural exchange.
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural explosion of African American creativity, primarily centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s and 1930s. It gave rise to some of the most influential artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers of the 20th century. The Winter Park Library exhibition seeks to recreate the atmosphere of this groundbreaking period, offering attendees a multisensory exploration of its icons, ideas, and artistic output.
About the Event:
HeART & Soul: A Celebration of Black Culture Presents The Harlem Renaissance Experience is all about forging connections between the past and present, blending dynamism with a modern, visually captivating presentation. It is designed to be more than just an exhibition – it’s an interactive journey where history comes to life and invites participation, perfect for both cultural immersion and social media sharing.
The Harlem Renaissance Experience at the Winter Park Library will be an immersive and interactive journey designed to celebrate and reflect upon one of American history’s most culturally significant movements – the Harlem Renaissance. This experience will blend art, music, literature, and fashion, bringing to life the vibrancy of the era while inviting participants to engage with its enduring legacy.
Immersive Stations
Station 1: 'The Mirror'
Located at the Adult Study Rooms. At this station, visitors will stand in front of a mirror and see themselves in the clothes and shoes of four key figures from the Harlem Renaissance.
Station 2: 'The Faces'
Located in the Edyth Bush Theatre. A 3-5 minute documentary will play on a loop and feature archival footage of Harlem Renaissance figures. The film will highlight their contributions to the movement through powerful images and key thoughts, accompanied by Spanish subtitles to enhance accessibility.
Station 3: 'The Look'
Located in the Archives display space. This installation will showcase authentic clothing and accessories from the era. The display will emphasize the unique blend of elegance, pride, and creativity that defined Harlem Renaissance fashion.
Station 4: 'The Paints'
Located on the right side of the Library’s east entrance. An exhibition of artwork prints from key visual artists such as Aaron Douglas, Augusta Savage, Jacob Lawrence, and Archibald Motley. These works, rich in symbolism and cultural expression, capture the movement’s soul and artistic innovations.
Station 5: 'The Words'
Located on the left side of the Library’s east entrance. An interactive installation made by fragments of poems and key thoughts from leading writers, including Alain Locke, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston. Visitors are encouraged to take a piece with them, ensuring the words continue to resonate beyond the experience.
Station 6: 'Art Exhibition'
Located in the Library’s lounge space near the east entrance. This will be an art gallery space where 4 to 8 curated contemporary artists will display and sell their work, celebrating ongoing artistic innovation while offering attendees the chance to purchase unique pieces.
Station 7: 'The Music'
Located in the stairwell’s rotunda. A live jazz trio dressed in 1920s attire will perform throughout the event, recreating the ambiance of Harlem’s jazz clubs. Music is a crucial element, transporting attendees to the era and reflecting the importance of jazz in shaping the cultural landscape.
Station 8: 'The Rationale'
Located at the entrance to the Computer Lab. This station will provide an infographic and an overview of the Harlem Renaissance. It will offer historical context and explain the movement’s importance. The visual guide will help attendees understand the era’s social, political, and artistic significance.
In keeping with the cultural richness of the Harlem Renaissance, the event will also feature a soul-food food truck, located in the Library’s parking lot offering attendees a taste of the culinary traditions that nourished the community.
'Shuffle along' with us on Saturday February 22nd from 2-4 pm for an interactive, immersive journey into the minds and voices that elevated Harlem – and the nation. Celebrate and reflect on one of the most culturally significant movements in American history. This experience brings the vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance to life, inviting you to connect with its enduring legacy in a meaningful and unforgettable way.