A lot of important cultural issues were brought to light during the Harlem Renaissance. One of the most important figures of the time was the African American writer W.E.B. Du Bois. In his book, The Souls of Black Folk, in 1903, Du Bois wrote that African-Americans suffered from something called "double consciousness."
They had their own self-image. But at the same time, they saw themselves through the eyes of white America.
An image shows Du Bois looking at himself in a mirror. He sees his reflection, as well as a black silhouette.
In response, the New Negro Movement, another name for the Harlem Renaissance, urged African Americans to take pride in themselves and their history.
