In celebration of Black History Month, Albany Avenue Elementary School’s PTA invited Museums in Motion to display their Harlem Renaissance Exhibit for all of the students and staff to enjoy. The exhibit celebrates the intellectual and cultural revival of African-American artistry in the 1920s and 1930s. At that time, Harlem, NY, was the epicenter for Black creatives to express themselves boldly in literature, music, politics, sports, arts, fashion, and dance.
Visitors to the exhibit were transported back in time. They were greeted by the smooth sounds of jazz music by the great Duke Ellington and invited to learn how to dance the Charleston with museum curator, Kayren Carter-Mjumbe. Even Assistant Principal Victoria LoRusso joined in on the fun!
Students were enamored by the high society fashion typically worn for a night on the town and dinner at the Cotton Club. It was standing room only at the literature table where they stood in line to type their names on an old fashion typewriter while learning about renowned authors Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.
This interactive exhibit was an excellent way for students to explore and learn about a significant time in American history. Many of them excitedly shared with their parents what they learned and are looking forward to seeing the exhibit again next year.