Spells, Spirits, and Charms in the Harlem Renaissance

Abstract

This article analyzes specific examples of magic found in two major artistic outlets of theHarlem Renaissance, jazz, and literature. Characters use voodoo and hoodoo to seek powerand revenge, control the supposed stronger party, and give meaning to seemingly insignificantoccurrences, thus offering a way for the artists of the Harlem Renaissance to control their ownlives and black aesthetic achievement.