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Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism (1883-1918)

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Hubert Harrison, A Black Man With A Mustache And Goatee, Wearing A Suit And Tie Hubert Harrison: The Voice Of Harlem Radicalism 1883 1918

Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918

by Jeffrey B. Perry

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3710 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	653 pages

Early Life and Education

Hubert Henry Harrison was born on March 27, 1883, on the island of St. Croix in the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands). His parents were former slaves who instilled in him a strong sense of racial pride and a desire for social justice.

Harrison's family moved to New York City when he was five years old. He attended public schools there and later graduated from the City College of New York in 1905. While at City College, Harrison became active in the socialist movement and began writing for various radical publications.

Career as a Radical Activist

After graduating from college, Harrison worked as a journalist and lecturer. He became a leading voice in the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual flowering among African Americans in the early 20th century.

Harrison was a prolific writer and speaker. He wrote extensively about the history of African Americans, the evils of racism, and the need for social and economic equality. He also helped to organize a number of radical organizations, including the African Blood Brotherhood and the Liberty League of Colored Peoples.

Harrison's activism was often controversial. He was a vocal critic of Booker T. Washington, the leading African American accommodationist of the time. Harrison argued that Washington's emphasis on vocational education and racial self-help was ultimately harmful to African Americans. Instead, Harrison advocated for a more militant approach to racial equality, one that included political and economic empowerment.

Later Years and Legacy

Harrison continued to be active in the radical movement until his death in 1918. He was a gifted orator and a powerful advocate for African American rights. He helped to raise the consciousness of African Americans and to inspire them to fight for their freedom.

Harrison's legacy is still felt today. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of African American radicalism. His writings and speeches continue to inspire activists and scholars alike.

References

Carl Van Vechten, "Hubert Henry Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918" (New York: Oxford University Press, 1983).
David Levering Lewis, "When Harlem Was in Vogue" (New York: Oxford University Press, 1981).
Mark Naison, "Communists in Harlem during the Depression" (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1983).

Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918

by Jeffrey B. Perry

4.7 out of 5