The Great Migration significantly impacted urban culture in the United States by transforming demographics, particularly in Northern cities. Beginning around 1916 and continuing into the 1970s, millions of African Americans migrated from the rural South to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities and to escape racial discrimination. This migration led to the establishment of vibrant communities, influencing music, art, literature, and social activism, with Harlem becoming a cultural epicenter. The infusion of Southern African American culture enriched urban life and laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, fostering a greater awareness of racial issues in America.