Harlem Renaissance
Instructions for Analysis of an Issue of Crisis Magazine
For this assignment, you will write a 3 page essay, double-spaced. Describe how a
particular monthly issue of the magazine reflects the ideas goals, culture, aspirations,
values and interests of the people of the Harlem Renaissance. In your paper, discuss the
ways in which The Crisis magazine encourages the positive self-esteem, political activism,
and self-affirmation of the Harlem Renaissance
Do you recognize any names of artists and leaders we have discussed in class? What do
the advertisements tell us about people’s interests and activities? The photographs give a unique
view of the people of the period. Here are the instructions.
1. Choose 4 different issues and look through them.
2. Select ONE of the 4 issues to write about. Be sure to mention the date and the month and
year of your issue.
3. Analyze and describe what you see in the following sections of your issue:
• Editorials: What is the topic?
• Cover Art & Photographs : Who? Where? Why?
• Advertisements (look at 3-5). What do they show us about
people’s values and interests?
• Articles on Politics: What are the issues?
• Literature & the Arts: What is discussed or shown?
Poetry? Theatre? Art?
• Social News
• NAACP news
The Crisis magazine, edited by Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, was one of the most popular and important
publications of the Harlem Renaissance. The magazine published articles on African-American
achievements and successes in the arts, politics, and culture. It emphasized a positive self-image
by showing many talented artists. The magazine also was involved in politics. It criticized Jim
Crow and discrimination and reported on lynchings in the South. The magazine advised readers
who to vote for and which politicians were likely to advance the interests of the African-
American community.
