Harlem Renaissance
A literary and artistic movement that flourished in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York in the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance sought to promote the African-American contribution to American cultural history and norms. Key figures in this movement included Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay and Langston Hughes.
Negro
historic term—now considered offensive by most but still preferred by some African Americans—for a Black person
colloquialism
a word or phrase of everyday, informal speech
colored
an adjective used to describe anyone who is not white. The term is controversial as some see it as offensive and associate it with the era of racial segregation, while others embrace the term as liberating.
anthropology
the study of human societies and cultures
extenuating circumstances
circumstances that make something seem more forgivable
automobile
four-wheeled road vehicle powered by an engine; outdated term for car
venturesome
willing to take risks; adventurous
cane chewing
to chew on stalks of sugar cane
proscenium box
box seat in a theater set close to the front of the stage
chamber of commerce
an association tasked with promoting the interests of business in a local community
bribing
the act of persuading someone to do something in one's favor by offering money or another enticement
sea change
Shakespearean term for a profound change or notable transformation
deplore
express strong disapproval
specter
a ghost; a widely feared occurrence
