Anthology of African American

Discuss the following quote from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Nellie McKay (general editors of The Norton Anthology of African American Literature) in regard to the period often referred to as the Harlem Renaissance:…it is important to remember that what took place in New York City was in many aspects a heightened version of the unusual cultural productivity taking place elsewhere in the United States, especially in the major cities of the North. In addition, it is also important not to draw artificial lines between ‘serious’ and ‘popular’ art, although many of the renaissance creators certainly did so. Expressed in various ways, the creativity of black Americans undoubtedly came from a common source–the irresistible impulse of blacks to create boldly expressive art of a high quality as a primary response to their social conditions, as an affirmation of their dignity and humanity in the face of poverty and racism. (953)Make specific, cited reference to the works of two artists highlighted in our text.