Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918

Hubert Harrison was a prominent African American journalist, orator, and political activist during the early 20th century. He was known for his radical views on race, class, and imperialism, and was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Harrison was born in St. Croix, Danish West Indies, in 1883. He emigrated to the United States in 1900 and settled in New York City. He worked as a journalist for several African American newspapers, and in 1910 he founded his own newspaper, The Voice.

Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918

by Jeffrey B. Perry

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The Voice quickly became a leading voice of African American radicalism. Harrison used the newspaper to criticize the racism of American society and to advocate for socialist revolution. He also wrote extensively about the African diaspora, and he was a strong supporter of Pan-Africanism.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Harrison was also a gifted orator. He spoke at rallies and meetings throughout the United States, and he was known for his fiery speeches. Harrison's speeches were often critical of the United States government, and he called for an end to imperialism and white supremacy.

Harrison's radical views made him a target of the government. He was arrested and jailed on several occasions, and he was even deported to the Virgin Islands in 1918. However, Harrison's work continued to inspire African Americans, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance.

Harrison's Radicalism

Harrison's radicalism was based on his belief that the United States was a racist and imperialist country. He argued that the United States had been founded on the genocide of Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans, and that it continued to oppress people of color around the world.

Harrison believed that the only way to end racism and imperialism was through socialist revolution. He argued that capitalism was inherently racist and exploitative, and that it would never be possible to achieve true equality under a capitalist system.

Harrison's radical views were not popular with the American government. He was arrested and jailed on several occasions, and he was even deported to the Virgin Islands in 1918. However, Harrison's work continued to inspire African Americans, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance.

Harrison's Legacy

Harrison's legacy is complex and contested. He was a controversial figure during his lifetime, and his views continue to be debated today. However, there is no doubt that Harrison was a brilliant orator and a passionate advocate for racial justice.

Harrison's work helped to raise awareness of the plight of African Americans in the United States. He was a pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance, and his writings and speeches helped to inspire a new generation of African American activists and intellectuals.

Harrison's legacy is still relevant today. His writings and speeches continue to inspire activists and intellectuals who are fighting for racial justice. Harrison's work is a reminder that the fight for equality is not over, and that we must continue to work to create a more just and equitable world.

Hubert Harrison was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance. His radical views on race, class, and imperialism helped to raise awareness of the plight of African Americans in the United States, and his work continues to inspire activists and intellectuals today.

Hubert Harrison: A Timeline

• 1883: Born in St. Croix, Danish West Indies.
• 1900: Emigrates to the United States and settles in New York City.
• 1910: Founds the newspaper The Voice.
• 1917: Arrested and jailed for his anti-war activities.
• 1918: Deported to the Virgin Islands.
• 1919: Returns to the United States and continues to work as a journalist and activist.
• 1927: Dies in New York City.

Further Reading

• Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism, 1883-1918 by Jeffrey B. Perry
• Hubert Harrison: Writings on Pan-Africanism and African Diasporan History, 1910-1930 edited by Leonard Jeffries
• Hubert Harrison: The Complete Orations, 1918-1920 edited by Jeffrey B. Perry

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