Born September 13, 1886

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Died June 10, 1954

New York, New York

American philosopher, educator, editor, and writer

Alain Locke. (Courtesy of the Library of Congress.)

"All of us probably expected too much of the Negro Renaissance, but its new vitality of independence, pride, and self-respect, its scoff and defiance of prejudice and limitations were so welcome and heartening."

The most memorable achievements of the Harlem Renaissance did not just spring into life by magic. The movement's young writers and artists were nurtured and encouraged by a number of older figures, the most important of whom was writer-educator Alain Locke. A highly educated philosophy professor with a passionate dedication to both preserving African American culture and encouraging bold new art, Locke served as a kind of midwife (someone who aids in the birthing process) of the Harlem Renaissance. Through his work as a writer and editor—especially of...