A centennial celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, honoring Jessie Redmon Fauset.
One spark. Two sites. A movement that changed America.
The Harlem Renaissance launched at The Civic Club, at the corner of 12th Street and Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village, on the evening of March 21, 1924, at a dinner organized by Charles S. Johnson to celebrate the debut novel of a single woman.
That woman was Jessie Redmon Fauset, literary editor of The Crisis (1919–1926), author of There Is Confusion, and the quiet architect of a generation. From her desk, she nurtured Langston Hughes, Jean Toomer, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Nella Larsen, and Gwendolyn Bennett: the voices that would become the Harlem Renaissance itself.
The dinner led directly to the landmark March 1925 Survey Graphic issue, and to the movement we know today. Over the century that followed, Fauset was gradually sidelined from the story she had written into being. This festival returns to that night, and gives it back to her.
Jessie Redmon Fauset
Literary Editor, The Crisis
1919–1926
There Is Confusion
Jessie Redmon Fauset's Debut Novel
1924
Events are free and open to the public, except tours and films. Where registration is open, RSVP links are provided.
A two-part opening screening on the making and memory of Harlem.
Union Square, the NAACP, the Salmagundi Club, First Presbyterian Church, and The Civic Club. Guides: Gail Edwards, Debra James, Afiya Dawson, Roberta Todd, Lana Turner.1:00 PM · Greenwich Village
On the grounds of the former Civic Club. Moderated by Jane Tillman Irving. Hybrid: in person and online.3:30 PM · Former Civic Club
Inspired by Du Bois and Fauset's children's magazine. For children and families.Boys & Girls Club of Harlem
A double feature on the artists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance.7:00–9:30 PM · Maysles Documentary Center, 343 Lenox Ave
Led by John Reddick. The Dark Tower, Niggerati Manor, Dream Haven. Concludes with a gospel concert at Convent Avenue Baptist Church. Organized by Harlem One Stop.3:30–6:30 PM
Led by Marc Satlof. The West 130's, the epicenter of music, art, literature, clubs, and real estate. Organized by Save Harlem Now!11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Featuring the Chris McBride Band and the Eyal Vilner Swing Band. In celebration of International Jazz Month and the Savoy Ballroom centennial.4:00–8:00 PM · Our Lady of Lourdes, Harlem
Dr. Victoria Chevalier, Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin, Dr. Zoe L. Henry, and The Honorable Debra A. James. Marking the 144th anniversary of Fauset's birth.6:00–8:00 PM · The Schomburg Center
Pulitzer winners Dr. David Levering Lewis and Dr. Jeffrey C. Stewart with Dr. Monica L. Miller. Music by Joy F. Brown and Brandie Sutton.6:00–9:00 PM · First Presbyterian Church, 12 W 12th St
Dr. David Levering Lewis
When Harlem Was in Vogue
Historian · Two-time Pulitzer Prize Winner
Dr. Jeffrey C. Stewart
The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke
Pulitzer Prize Winner
Dr. Monica L. Miller
Slaves to Fashion · Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
Chair, Africana Studies · Barnard College
Dr. Victoria Chevalier
Fauset Symposium · April 27
Scholar
Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin
Fauset Symposium · April 27
Scholar
Dr. Zoe L. Henry
Fauset Symposium · April 27
Scholar
Hon. Debra A. James
Fauset Symposium · April 27
Jurist
Organized in January 1982, The Literary Society is a New York City book discussion group based in Harlem, dedicated to the study of the African Diaspora through literature.
The Society has gained a reputation for occasionally developing public programming to engage broader audiences. The most recent was the 2022 staging of The Wedding Reception: An Artful Imagining of the 1838 Wedding of Anna Murray and Frederick Douglass.
As featured in The New York Times
Additional partners to be announced.