Harlem Renaissance Music And Love Will Find A Way

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“Nothing great or enduring, especially in music, has ever sprung full-fledged and unprecedented from the brain of any master; the best he gives to the world he gathers from the hearts of people, and runs through the alembic of genius” (James Weldon Johnson). This is a quote said by James Weldon Johnson describing the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance era was a time of love, culture, and connection for African-Americans in the 1920s. Music thrived during this time, as many black artists used music to express themselves and their emotions, bringing people together during the Harlem Renaissance era. People may argue that the Harlem Renaissance did not bring people together and it tore families apart. In the process of migration, many …show more content…

Love Will Find a Way is a song from the musical Shuffle Along, produced and written by all black actors. It was the first musical to feature black actors talking about love, a major milestone. Shuffle Along was widely successful, running more than 500 performances, and was so successful that President Harry Tubman chose a song from the musical, I’m Just Wild About Harry, for his campaign anthem (Tanner). In Love Will Find a Way, the two main characters sing about their love for each other and how it cannot be controlled or stopped. They sing “Your love for me is heav’nly beacon, guiding me through love’s darkest night” (Sissle, Blake). In this line, they are singing about how their love for one another guides them through tough times and struggles, referring to the racism they may face. They also sing that “Love like ours can never be ruled” (Sissle, Blake). They mean that no matter what anyone else may think, no matter if people think it’s wrong, they will not care. Their love is stronger than the opinions of anyone else. This was a powerful message that opposed the views of bigots and brought people together. Blacks and whites enjoyed this musical alike, and it ultimately brought people together who have never been allowed to