The Great Migration

At the start of World War I and lasting until the Great Depression, blacks migrated from the South to urban areas such as New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Chicago, and other metropolitan areas (Lazar, n.d.).  This shift in the black population became known as the Great Migration.  Reasons for the shift of the black population are varied but illustrate discontent with the stagnant evolution of the race following the Civil War and the reconstruction period.  The depressed economy as a result of the war and lack of opportunities in the South contributed significantly to stimulate a movement making race a national topic once again (Lazar, n.d.).

The area of Harlem in New York City became popular as a result of the talent that gave the arts -- music, poetry, and writing critical of race relations of the day -- a new home (Harlem Renaissance, n.d.).  Although the peak of the Great Migration occurred in the 1920’s and 1930’s, the trend continued through the 1950’s and 1960’s, leading the United States toward two landmark events:  the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Both passed under the Johnson Administration (Harlem Renaissance, n.d.). 

There were several factors which initiated the largest population shifts in America’s history (NY Public Library,  n.d.).  The boll weevil invaded Texas and continued across the South, decimating the cotton crops and effectively breaking the South’s economic stability.  Also, the onset of World War I stopped the constant influx of European Immigrants that had supplied many of the northern industrial workers, causing a critical labor shortage when workers were most needed to be able to meet the demands of the war supply industries. 

Labor agents actively recruited strong young men from the South, above protests from local politicians and law enforcement agencies.  As the population expanded in the North, racial tension again played a large role.  American and immigrant whites resented the loss of available jobs which pushed the wages back, and labor unions maintained rules excluding blacks from membership.  The black influx was so heavy, however, that the unions did not have a significant impact on the industries, as there were ample black men to fill the jobs without having to resort to union staffing. 

These racial tensions triggered race riots throughout the major cities, both North and South.  In most cases, the attacks were directed at the African Americans.  Local police, in most situations, did not even attempt to control the riots.   Throughout the nation, scores of blacks were murdered, and hundreds were injured in the “Red Summer” of 1919.

The political and social climate had further deteriorated in the south, making the time right for a mass exodus of those willing to sacrifice for a new life. Although they faced many hardships, they began to establish a foothold in the social and political landscapes as well, finding their talents in businesses that mostly supported their own community, including store owners, real estate brokers, funeral directors, supported segregated churches, schools and hospitals.  Social service organizations, such as recreation centers and welfare agencies, also grew.

--- Jayne F. & Michael S.

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Harlem Renaissance. [PDF document].  Retrieved from http://teachers.sheboygan.k12.wi.us/tgentine
     /documents/HarlemRenaissance.pdf 

Lazar, Daniel. (n.d.) The great migration & the harlem renaissance. [Power Point Slides]. Retrieved from
     www.daniellazar.com/wp-content/uploads/the-great-migration- the-harlem-renaissance.ppt.

 The New York Public Library. (n.d.) The great migration. Schomburg center for research in black culture.
     Retrieved from: http://www.inmotionaame.org/migrations/landing.cfm?migration=8

Photo 1 Courtesy: http://www.inmotionaame.org/gallery/large.cfm?migration-8&topic=99&id=465450&type=image&metadata=&page=2&bhcp=1

Photo 2 Courtesy of  http://engl352.pbworks.com/w/page/18970000/great-migration

Photo 3 Courtesy: http://www.inmotionaame.org/gallery/large.cfm?migration=8&topic=99&id=465478&type=image&metadata=&page3