Although the rim of societal philosophy was brimming with genius during the Harlem Renaissance, many social thinkers failed to notice the impact of their works. Without their objectives outlined whilst alive, their dreams were never realized and their works open to interpretation years later. Some promoters of the Renaissance escaped this woe that often befalls most of humanity's greats, one of which was Alain Locke. Recognized for his promotion of black art and culture, Alain Locke cemented a societal outlook slightly echoing themes of his Baha'i faith and yet ultimately geared towards the importance of racial strengths.
A tree can be traced back to its roots, and withstanding how complex and extensive a philosopher may seem, he is no different. Alain Locke possessed a very strong affection towards his cultural and biological backgrounds.
Perhaps foreshadowing the modest yet bolstering being that is Alain Locke, Alain was born on September 13th, 1886 in Philadelphia to a prominent and established family. Setting a trend unbeknownst to most African American families, his grandfather, Ismael, was a liberated African American who chose teaching as a profession. Hence, Ismael's son, Pliny, naturally became a student in the institution his father, Ismael, taught at ? the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia. As for Mary Hawkins, Alain's mother, she was a descendant of Charles Shorter who was a free African American that made a tradition of education in his family. And so Mary Hawkins, also befitting to her status, became a teacher and played a crucial role in Alain's early education.
Alain, an only child, was raised in refined and educated surroundings. Disaster struck at six when his father passed away causing his mother to raise him single-handedly. W ...