Harlem is a captivating and diverse city that possesses a rich and intricate Black cultural heritage. Known by many scholars as the “Mecca of the New Negro,” Harlem’s identity is nuanced, and as a result, its identity and history are challenging to fully comprehend. When looking at primary sources from Harlem and similar urban spaces, scholars should be particularly attentive to their multisensory aspects. By examining sensory experiences such as sound, sight, and taste within Black urban environments, scholars can more clearly articulate the varied experiences and connections forged by African Americans in cities. This approach allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Black urban history. Through historians’ analysis of…show more content… She begins with an account of Elk’s Parade where 40,000 spectators observed a band procession, vividly described by a primary source: “There was a shout. Then a cheer of joy. And then a wave of sound grew like an explosion in a munitions factory.” In including the explosion of sound that erupted at the parade, the Corbould underscores how important sound is to appreciating Harlem and the significance of its events. The reader can conclude just how crucial sound was to Harlem, and this is only done because she provides both the quote from the primary source and her analysis. This approach sets her argument apart, as it delves into a historical analysis of the unique soundscape of Harlem, something seemingly overlooked by historians but pivotal to understanding Blank urban spaces. While sound is important in understanding events, integrating visual elements enriches the reader’s comprehension by providing a more holistic portrayal. Corbould accompanies the auditory depiction of the Elk’s Parade with the visual representation captured in “Snapshots of the Elk’s Big Parade” from “New York Amsterdam News.” Pictured, are a multitude of Black men parading through the
