The New Negro

The New Negro by Alain LeRoy Locke

The New Negro is a seminal work that explores the role of African Americans in American society during the early 20th century. Written by Alain LeRoy Locke, a prominent philosopher and sociologist, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the cultural, social, and political landscape of the time. Locke argues that the "New Negro" is a product of the urbanization and modernization of African American communities, which has led to a new sense of self-awareness and identity. He contends that this new identity is characterized by a rejection of the old stereotypes and a embrace of the full range of human experience. The book is divided into four main sections: "The New Negro in Art," "The New Negro in Literature," "The New Negro in Politics," and "The New Negro in Social Life." Each section provides a detailed analysis of the various aspects of African American culture and society, highlighting the ways in which they are shaping the future of race relations in America. Throughout the book, Locke draws on a wide range of sources, including literature, art, music, and political theory, to make his case for a new understanding of the African American experience. He argues that this new understanding is essential for building a more equitable and just society, where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. Overall, The New Negro is an important work that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about race and identity in America. Its insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1925, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race relations in our society.

By Alain LeRoy Locke · First published 1925 · Genre: Non-fiction, Anthology, Social Science · 45 chapters · 478,375 words

First lines

Alain Locke rose early on April 23, 1922, a cool, clear Sunday after Easter in Washington, D.C. It was also the Sunday before his mother's sixty-seventh birthday. He woke her, helped her dress, and then served breakfast. Afterward, he read to her from the Sunday edition of the Evening Star. Headlines announced that the secret Russian-German economic pact threatened to break up the Genoa Conference, the Pan-American Conference of Women proposed a League of Nations, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Sherlock Holmes author, was to speak in Washington as part of his nationwide tour. Only the last caught her interest-she and her son shared an interest in psychic phenomena, and Sir Conan's lecture on spiritualism was sure to be provocative and revealing. She dozed off when Alain launched into the details of his particular interest, the struggle between Germany and the Allies for trading rights with newly Communist Russia. That afternoon she was "stricken," in the words of her son. He laid her down in her bed, where, at 7 p.m., she died, leaving her son of thirty-seven years alone in their home. The next day he taught his philosophy class at Howard University as usual. Only later in that day did students learn that Dr. Locke's mother had died. Others learned of her passing from Tuesday's Evening Star, which carried the death notice, "Locke. Sunday, April 23, 1922 at her residence, 1326 R Street NW, Mary Hawkins, beloved wife of the late Pliny Ishmael Locke and mother of Alain Leroy Locke. Last reception to friends Wednesday evening, from 6 to 8 o'clock, at her residence."2

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African American literature · Harlem Renaissance · race relations · social justice · civil rights · identity politics · cultural critique · critical race theory · intersectionality · black culture · art history · literary criticism

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More by Alain LeRoy Locke