The History of African American Owned Businesses During the Harlem Renaissance Flex

In this 4 week class, we will delve into the history of African American owned businesses in the United States, culminating on the height of the Harlem Renaissance. From 1900-1930, hundreds of African American businesses opened across the country. While they were not the first, they represented a new time in American history. Jim crow laws enforced segregation, causing a boom in entrepreneurship. Small businesses were popping up at record speed throughout the first 3 decades of the new century, offering new opportunities, community, and a connection to new movements and cultures. 

Week 1 
History of: African American owned businesses throughout the 1800’s, Jim Crow laws, new towns and communities becoming completely self-sufficient, Booker T. Washington founding the National Negro Business League in 1900 which opened over 600 chapters across the country, and entrepreneurs like Madam CJ Walker.  We will also review business related vocabulary and procedures.

Week 2
A look at different types of African American owned and run businesses: clothing stores, salons, banks, cafes, publishing houses and newspapers, music companies, playhouses, and nightclubs. We will examine different types of marketing methods used then and now.

Week 3
A look at the rise of the “Roaring Twenties” and see how African American owned businesses operated and were treated. We will talk about the rise in credit, technology, and loosened cultural norms that permeated the decade, leading to the crash at the end of the decade. 


Week 4
A look at the effects of the 1929 stock market crash and great depression on African American owned businesses, culture, and community. 

Each week, by Wednesday evening (9pm PST) -

-I will email each student a link that weeks lecture and assignments. This will be on YouTube and is in a private account that is embedded into the Outschool classroom page.  
-  Assignments will consist of discussion and essay questions, short research topics, Youtube videos, and worksheets. These will be posted on the classroom page. 
- In my flex classes, each family can determine the level of participation in the course. 
- Communication will be done through the Outschool classroom.  
-I will check in with each student several times during the week to check on progress of the homework, address any questions, or to engage in a discussion about the topic covered. Each student is encouraged to message (through the Outschool classroom) me anytime they have any questions or thoughts about the class.  
- Each week, there may be additional articles, videos, or pictures that will be posted to the classroom page to engage students in open conversations about that weeks topic. 
-Please message me before the start of class if you have any questions.  

For information on my other courses, please check out my course catalog: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10WtnUIRwVRw7Awo6FskitgUKeNUjuAvf/view