The cultural significance of the Harlem Renaissance lies in its profound influence on African American identity and expression in the early 20th century. This movement, spanning the 1920s, celebrated African American culture through art, literature, and music, notably jazz and blues. Figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington emerged during this era, challenging racial stereotypes and promoting black pride. The Harlem Renaissance shifted perceptions of African Americans, contributing to the civil rights struggles that followed and leaving an enduring legacy in American culture.