The Big Sea

I was a litte surprised when reading this article since I was expecting it to be about LGBT. However, it is an autobiography of Langston Hughes' experiences and memories in Harlem during the 1920's. Hughes says, "All of us know that the gay and sparkling life of the so-called Negro Renaissance of the '20's was not so gay and sparkling beneath the surface as it looked" (227). This statement contradicts Schwarz's article completely. I think Hughes is just reminiscing on the good old days of clubs and house-rent parties. Also, how African Americans could charm and entertain white folks. The most interesting part of this article to me was the pictures of the party cards that were used as advertisement. My favorite was the first card on page 229 which said "We got yellow girls, we've got black and tan. Will you have a good time? YEAH MAN!" I believe Hughes was able to really describe the feelings and mood of the time.