Harry T Burleigh His Life and Legacy From
Harry T. Burleigh His Life and Legacy: From Erie, PA to the World Stage Lesson Plan outline: Elementary and High School Social Studies
Harry T. Burleigh: Hometown Hero Today’s presentation- Topics and Objectives Born in Erie, PA Achieved world renown Changed the world of music An important part of the Harlem Renaissance
Elementary Lesson Ride on King Jesus- Spiritual arranged by Harry T. Burleigh https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=A 3 Z 9 -bb 09 H 8 https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=JIyk. HTx. FKj. Q Passages- Read a passage… Notice where in the world Burleigh traveled
Break out Session/Discussion Share completion of sentences exercise as an intro to Burleigh’s life and legacy
High School Lesson What are primary sources? What is the Harlem Renaissance? What is Burleigh’s legacy today? The Harry T. Burleigh marker was rewritten and rededicated in December 2019. It is located on East 6 th Street.
Born in Erie, PA • What was Erie, PA like in 1866? • How long have African Americans been a part of the Erie community? • What does Harry T. Burleigh’s family tell us about the Erie community?
Primary Sources Census Records - Newpapers What are primary sources? What do they tell us? What primary sources are available to tell the story of Harry T. Burleigh and Erie in the late 1800 s?
Primary Sources are sources from the time period.
Census Records
Census Records
Achieved World Renown Harry T. Burleigh left Erie, PA and launched a career that impacted the musical world and influenced civil rights. He was recognized around the world as a soloist and composer. He spent the rest of his life based in New York City, and performed around the globe.
Challenges Despite his recognition around the world, when he died, he had to buried in an unmarked grave because white New York cemeteries would not accept his body. His remains were brought home to Erie, PA in 1994 and he was buried with dignity and honor in the Erie Cemetery on West 26 th Street.
Changed the musical world Burleigh was one of the first to write down and preserve the spirituals of his ancestors, including his grandfather. In doing so, he was part of the development of pride and awareness of the rich history of African Americans. He also made contributions to the musical world of the early 1900 s through his work with a genre known as “art songs. ” He famously worked with composer Antonin Dvořák and influenced his works.
Important part of the Harlem Renaissance • What was the Harlem Renaissance? • Why is it important to US History? • What contribution did Burleigh make?
Notes on the Harlem Renaissance, a blossoming (c. 1918– 37) of African American culture, particularly in the creative arts, and the most influential movement in African American literary history. Embracing literary, musical, theatrical, and visual arts, participants sought to reconceptualize “the Negro” apart from the white stereotypes that had influenced Black peoples’ relationship to their heritage and to each other. -Britannica
Burleigh and the Harlem Renaissance Burleigh was very active during the Harlem Renaissance. He transcribed Negro Spirituals and recognized that they represented a point of pride from the time of slavery. “These melodies are our prized possessions”, he exclaimed. “They are the only legacy of slavery days of which we can be proud –our one priceless contribution to the vast musical product of the United States. Into this making was poured the aspiration of a race in bondage, whose religion, intensely felt was their whole hope and comfort. They rank with the great folk music of the world are among the loveliest chant prayers”. -Erie Dispatch Herald
Relevant Today Burleigh’s work continues to be performed today. He is studied in music classes at the secondary and post-secondary level. Erie, PA recognizes him as a “Hometown Hero” and has declared Dec 2 nd to be Harry T. Burleigh Day. Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School is named in his honor.
Resources for Additional Learning All of these resources are available through the Erie County Public Library. The Johnson resources are available in the Heritage Room. Johnson, Johnny. Census Record Analysis. Self published. Johnson, Johnny. Homecoming- Reinternment of Harry T. Burleigh. DVD. Self published. Snyder, Jean E. Harry T. Burleigh: From Spirituals to the Harlem Renaissance. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2016. Thompson, Sarah. Journey From Jerusalem: Erie’s African American History from 1795 -1995. Erie, PA: Erie County Historical Society, 1996.
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