You Must Complete An Electronic Presentation On Black Cultur

You Must Complete Anelectronic Presentation On Black Culture You Wil

Complete an electronic presentation on Black culture, selecting and discussing the significance of two works. The first work should be from the Harlem or Chicago Renaissance periods and be a piece of African-American literature, poetry, music, fashion, dance, or another cultural art form created or popularized during that time. The second work should be created or popularized by a Black person within your lifetime (for example, between 1999 and the present if you were born in 1999). The two works do not need to share a cultural form or theme and can be compared and contrasted or presented independently.

Provide background information on each work, including when and where it was created, who made it, and its impact on Black cultural history. Explain why you selected these works and discuss what each reveals about the continuity or change in Black culture and experiences from the Harlem and Chicago Renaissances to today. Your presentation should be creative and engaging, incorporating both audio and visual components, and should last 7–10 minutes. Treat the presentation as if you are the professor introducing the works to your class, making it informative, original, and compelling. Your submission will be evaluated on the depth of content, creativity, organization, and presentation quality.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of Black culture across different historical periods reveals a narrative of resilience, innovation, and evolving identity. By examining a work from the Harlem or Chicago Renaissance alongside a contemporary creation by a Black artist, we can trace themes of cultural expression and social influence that define Black history and contemporary life.

Historical Background and Significance of the First Work

One of the seminal works of the Harlem Renaissance is Langston Hughes's poem "The Weary Blues" (1925). Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, used his poetry to express the emotional depth and cultural vibrancy of Black life in America (Hughes, 1926). "The Weary Blues" captures the lyrical essence of jazz music and oral tradition, emphasizing themes of struggle, hope, and resilience. This poem not only celebrated Black artistic expression but also challenged the racial stereotypes prevalent at the time, helping to establish a distinct Black aesthetic in American literature (Lewis, 1994).

Historical Background and Significance of the Second Work

Fast forward to the 21st century, an influential work is the song "Freedom" by Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar (2016). Released during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show and subsequent album "Lemonade," the song reflects on racial injustice, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality (Beyoncé, 2016). Beyoncé, an influential contemporary artist, continues the tradition of using music as a platform for political expression and cultural identity. The song's powerful message and widespread impact demonstrate how Black artists today continue to challenge societal norms and inspire activism, much like the Harlem Renaissance figures did in the early 20th century (Lemonade, 2016).

Why These Works Were Chosen

The poem "The Weary Blues" was selected because it encapsulates the burgeoning Black cultural renaissance of the early 20th century, emphasizing artistic expression as a form of resistance and identity formation. Its lyrical style and themes set a foundation for African-American cultural contributions that influence later generations. Beyoncé's "Freedom" was chosen as it represents how Black artists in the modern era carry forward the legacy of activism and cultural assertion through music, adapting to contemporary social challenges.

Continuity and Change in Black Culture

Both works reveal that while the mediums and contexts differ—literature and jazz in the Harlem Renaissance versus contemporary pop and hip-hop—they share core themes of resilience, social justice, and cultural pride. The early works aimed to uplift Black identity amidst discrimination, while modern works continue this legacy, addressing issues like police brutality and racial inequality with directness and global reach. These cultural artifacts underscore the dynamic yet enduring nature of Black cultural expression from the Harlem to the modern era.

Conclusion

The exploration of these two works illuminates a continuous thread of artistic advocacy rooted in historical struggle and modern activism. The Harlem Renaissance laid the groundwork for cultural mobility and identity, which contemporary artists like Beyoncé expand upon, adapting the themes of resistance and empowerment to new generations and new platforms. This trajectory exemplifies both the resilience and adaptability of Black culture across time, affirming its vital role in shaping American cultural history.

References

• Beyoncé. (2016). "Freedom" [Song]. On Lemonade. Parkwood Entertainment.
• Hughes, L. (1926). The Weary Blues. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Lemonade. (2016). Beyoncé. Parkwood Entertainment.
• Lewis, D. L. (1994). When Harlem Was in Vogue. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Rampersad, A. (2007). The Life of Langston Hughes. Oxford University Press.