Black Opals

Black Opals were African American literary journals that were published in Philadelphia between the years of 1927 and year 1928. Although it produced only four issues, the journal remains an important part of the Harlem Renaissance era. It was very impactful to the black Americans during that time were they didn't have the same outreach to reach further .^[1]These journals were very impactful because many black writers were not allowed in white spaces due to time where racism and systemic issues were heavy if these black writers were allowed in these spaces it could've made these journals gain more recognition. These journals helped push black creativity further and it influenced others to do so such as musicians,artists,and it even impacted black film making. It was co founded by Arthur Huff Fauset and Nellie Rathbone Bright, who were both heavily involved in education and literary spaces. These journals didn't have a longer run due to budget costs and the writers that were the main contributors careers had grew further and the writers wanted to break free and focus on their own individual careers that was growing due to how impactful these journals were . These journals grew during a time were African American writers were looking for platforms to show off their voices and make a change .Even though most of the Harlem Renaissance was centered in New York, Black Opals demonstrated that similar creative movements were also thriving in other cities like Philadelphia.^[2]The journal reflected the writing and artistic energy of the period, offering a space for outreach and expression.

The Harlem Renaissance became what it became which is known as the Harlem renaissance as a result from the Great Migration, which was when six million African Americans fled from the south ,north, midwest and the north to Harlem they fled there for better job opportunities, education, and escape from racial violence and Jim Crow laws because Harlem didn't have many systemic laws there .^[3] Cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit became cultural spaces where Black creativity heavily improved and expanded which was good for black Americans that wanted bigger opportunities and an escape from what they were dealing with in there previous cities .This movement encouraged African Americans to express pride in their identity and culture through writing, art, and music. However, opportunities for publication to where they would actually gain notoriety and bigger audiences were still limited because racism was heavily impacting black Americans . As a result, smaller journals like Black Opals were created to give Black writers and artists a voice.Which was very needed at the time it helped give black Americans entertainment and happiness during a time were there were a lot of racial violence and systemic laws that directly affected black Americans. ^[4]Philadelphia, with its growing Black middle class and strong community Harlem became a good place for the black opals to be created and started in.^[5]

Black Opals published a variety of creative entries which included poetry, short stories, essays, and visual art pieces. The journal often focused on discussing topics such as African American identity, racial pride, and social identity which needed to be talked about.These journals were a way for black Americans to talk about how they feel and been treated.These writers explored important issues that were needed to talk about such as inequality, cultural heritage, and the Black experience in America because these were major issues. Many writers used these journals as a way to express themselves through their talents .This showed the bigger picture of the Harlem Renaissance, where artists pushed society's exceptions of them and helped push black creativity during a time where they didn't feel seen or heard instead they felt ignored and outcast .^[6]