Media slamKC
Explore the performances of young slam poets. Musical, lyrical, and provocative, these original spoken word pieces are supported by Hip Hop giants Questlove and Black Thought.
Born
1862
Died
1928
Country
United States of America
Real estate developer and philanthropist William E. Harmon (1862-1928) was one of many white Americans intrigued by the flowering of African American art and literature in the 1920s. In 1926, the Harmon Foundation—set up four years earlier to aid students and the disabled—began recognizing African American achievements in music, the visual arts, literature, industry, education, race relations, and science.
The foundation awarded annual cash prizes (the gold award was $400) in each of those seven categories. An eighth honor was handed out for distinguished accomplishment in any vocation.
Recipients of Harmon Foundation awards enjoyed an instant boost in personal prestige—and no one in Depression-era America turned their nose up at the cash.
In 1928, the Harmon Foundation sponsored the first exhibition of works created exclusively by African American artists. Three years later, Harmon exhibits showcasing the latest winners began touring the country.
The “Harmon Traveling Exhibition of the Work of Negro Artists” shined a deserving spotlight on the works of poet Langston Hughes and 148 other artists and writers in an illustrated catalogue shipped to 50 cities. In addition to serving as a patron of the arts, the Harmon Foundation flourished as a business that subsidized, marketed, and profited from its sales of African American works of art.
I n t e r s e c t i o n s |
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The foundation recognized artist Augusta Savage in 1933. |
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Painter Aaron Douglas was honored in 1930. |
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Countee Cullen received the literature award for his volume of poetry, Color. |
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Painter Palmer Hayden was awarded in 1933. |
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Selma Burke received a foundation award in 1933. |
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Explore the performances of young slam poets. Musical, lyrical, and provocative, these original spoken word pieces are supported by Hip Hop giants Questlove and Black Thought.
How does poetry change when it transforms from written to spoken word? Listen as well-known voices express the work of celebrated poets.
Jason Reynolds was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He wasn’t into reading or writing as a boy, but that changed when he discovered his love for the lyrics and flow of Hip Hop.
In this 9-12 lesson, students will analyze the rhythm, form, diction, and sound of hip hop and Shakespearean sonnets. Students will compare characteristics between Shakespeare’s work and the work of hip hop artists to create an original poem or lyrics.
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.