Educational Media Reviews Online

Harlem Voices is a documentary-short that juxtaposes the creative similarities and differences between two well-known literary figures of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes and Claude McKay. While some critics date the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance as early as 1917, what is undeniable is the overwhelming emergence of black talent living and thriving in one of New York’s most electrifying neighborhoods. Never before has there been such an explosion of Blacks as actors, artists, authors, dancers, ethnographers, folklorists, musicians, photographers, and screenwriters all giving voice to the black experience.

Narrator Dilly Barlow, with extensive input from Columbia University’s Dr. Farah Griffin, and Langston Hughes biographer, Arnold Rampersad, notes that what makes these two men unique is their ability to “vibrantly narrate and interpret the physical space and the shifting communities” of Harlem and its residents. As a young man, Hughes flees a racist Midwest in search of a black space with large black populations. In contrast, but also similarly, McKay, an immigrant from Jamaica, has experiences of living within a black space in his native country, but migrates to Harlem from an American South where he too witnesses the ill treatment of Blacks.

In Harlem, both writers feel a sense of inspiration and loyalty to document stories about the economic and social conditions facing black Americans in both poetry and prose. While Hughes’ poems are experimental and modern, McKay’s prose is conservative and dogmatic. It is suggested that Hughes writings are reflective of his interactions with musicians and speakeasies. His writings are reminiscent of sensual blues and jazz songs. In contrast, McKay’s writings are raw, “telling it like it is” which rather upsets black and white patrons alike. Still both men admire each other’s work, and often would read each other’s works at various speaking engagements. Although the two men travel extensively, they often return to Harlem for revitalization, and to reconnect to that place of home.

Harlem Voices is a tiny window in which to look at an important historical cultural era that will not be duplicated again until the Black Power movement of the 1960s. The Harlem Renaissance catapults many famous names into the limelight, but most will remember Hughes and McKay for their contributions to portray both a nostalgic fantasy and realism of 1920s Harlem.

The film includes readings from Hughes’ “The Big Sea,” “Juke Box Love Song,” “Lenox Avenue Midnight,” and “The Weary Blues.” Also included are readings from McKay’s “Home to Harlem,” and “Joy in the Woods.” As much as this reviewer enjoyed this film, I didn’t feel as if the film exposed new material. The cinematography and editing are well done, and the music provided by jazz saxophonist Tia Fuller is excellent.

This film is good for discussion about African American, and Urban studies. I recommend this title be added to school, public, and academic media collections.