The Harlem Renaissance: A Literary Movement

Cleage masterfully sets her narrative against the vibrant backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, a pulsating era in African-American literature. Dive into the world of one of its most influential voices, whether it be James Weldon Johnson, Claude McKay, Countee Cullen, Wallace Thurman, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, or Richard Wright. Discover their landmark works, explore the hurdles—be they financial, social, or personal—that they overcame to carve their names into literary history. What themes do their writings unfurl? How did the Harlem Renaissance shape their artistic vision, and in turn, how did their creations leave a lasting imprint on African-American literature?

The Era of the Great Depression

Set amidst the shadows of the Great Depression, Cleage’s play unfolds during a time when the world felt the weight of economic despair. Investigate the chain of events that triggered the catastrophic stock market crash of 1929. What ripple effects did this calamity have on America at large? Contrast the varied impacts it had on the North and South, and delve into whether African Americans bore a different burden compared to their white counterparts. How did this economic downturn shake the global market, and what marked the end of this bleak chapter in history?

Political Leaders of the Early Twentieth Century

The characters in this narrative speak of two pivotal African-American figures from the dawn of the twentieth century: Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey. Choose one to delve deeper into: what was his guiding political ideology? What mark did he leave on the African-American community? Examine the sentiments that the play’s characters harbor towards this leader and his political stance.

The Blues: A Musical Journey

Cleage’s character, Angel, embodies the spirit of a blues singer and nightclub performer struggling to find her place. Explore the rich tapestry of blues history. Where and how did this soulful music take root across America? Who were the trailblazers of blues during the roaring 1920s and 1930s? Dive into the life and career of one of these iconic figures and uncover the legacy they left on the blues genre.

Prohibition and its Cultural Impact

The play unfolds during the Prohibition era, a time when the sale and consumption of alcohol were shrouded in illegality. Yet, the characters indulge in spirits with little heed to these constraints, save for Leland's reminders of the ongoing ban. Investigate the history of Prohibition in America. When did this law take effect, and what cultural shifts did it spark? To what lengths did people go to defy the ban on alcohol? Trace the journey to Prohibition's repeal and uncover the forces that led to its downfall.