Many of the intellectual figures of the Harlem Renaissance were “in the life,” meaning primarily attracted to members of the opposite sex. This included Alain Loche, who as editor of the publication, “New Negro,” brought his group of writers to the wider public. Through letters, Locke urged Countee Cullen to write poetry aimed at bettering the race. Locke also spurred on Langston Hughes, who became a leading poet.

Some historians have criticized Loche for promoting the careers of young black males to the obvious neglect of black females. Regardless, some black female writers from that era have finally received their place in African-American literary history. They include poet Angelina Weld Grimke, and fiction and poetry writer, Alice Dunbar-Nelson.

“The Rainbow Minute,” a radio show on WRIR, Richmond Independent Radio, is produced by Judd Proctor and Brian Burns and airs on 97.3 FM every Weekday at 9:03am, 12:30pm and 4:30pm.  Listen to the WRIR’s audio stream here.

The Rainbow Minute is produced by Judd Proctor and Brian Burns and airs on 97.3 FM, WRIR Richmond Independent Radio, every Weekday at 8:59am, 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Listen to the WRIR’s audio stream here.