History
or, "What even is a Rent Party?"
A Rent Party is...
A social gathering in which tenants hire a singer or band to perform to generate money to pay their rent, which began in Harlem New York during the 1920s. These parties had an impact on the growth of jazz and blues music, and this name of the era to become The Harlem Renaissanice...
The Harlem Renaissance was...
The rise of New York City's Harlem district as a Black cultural hotspot in the early twentieth century grew from The Great Migration, as well as the ensuing social and creative boom. The period lasted roughly from the 1910s to the mid-1930s and is regarded as a golden age in African American culture, showing itself in literature, music, stage performance, and art. This "golden age" birthed the civil rights movement in the 1940s- 1950s.
The Great Migration was...
The migration of African Americans in the 20th century when 6 million black Southerners relocated to urban areas in the North and West, seeking better civil and economic opportunities. However, many blacks were unable to escape racism in the North, where they were segregated into ghettos and urban life introduced new obstacles. Despite the challenges, the Great Migration sparked a new sense of black pride and identity. African Americans established thriving communities and contributed to the growth of cultural richness in urban America.
Harlem's Architecture
By 1904, nearly all of the remaining undeveloped land in Harlem had been built upon, but a combination of inflation and property vacancies led to a real estate crash. Seeing an opening for development, especially as older ethnic communities began to emigrate from the area, Black real estate entrepreneurs led by Philip Payton Jr. began to bring black tenants into vacant Harlem properties.
How did people spread the word about rent parties?
In 1920’s Harlem, a card with a rhymed couplet announcing a “whist party” or “social dance,” (or a simple red, blue, or pink lightbulb in an apartment window) was a stealth invitation to a rent party.
Why is this important to Women's History Month?
Harlem parties and Rent parties were a great place for female artists to safely express themselves, as well as show off their talents and network with other artists.