The Harlem Renaissance and the Harmon Foundation Essay

The Harlem Renaissance and the Harmon Foundation - Essay Example This extended the requisite space and opportunity to the black creativity to flourish. It was the Caucasian real estate developer, William E Harmon, who evinced an immense interest in the African American creativity, and founded the Harmon foundation in 1922. The objective of Harmon foundation was to recognize and support African American achievements in the field of fine arts, literature, education, business, music, religious service, science, farming and race relations. Harmon foundation played an important role in promoting racial tolerance and in bringing to limelight the contributions made by the African Americans to the national culture. Hale Woodruff, Langston Hughes, Palmer Hayden, Countee Cullen and Archibald Motley were some of the noteworthy artists that were extended recognition and support by the Harmon foundation (Aberjhani & West 147). Many artists and scholars accused Harmon foundation of being paternalistic and segregated in its approach as it celebrated the works of only African American artists (Aberjhani & West 147). Harmon Foundation was also blamed for being condescending towards black artists (Aberjhani & West