The Great Migration, which occurred predominantly from 1916 to 1970, had a profound impact on American urban centers, especially in the North. During this period, over six million African Americans moved from rural Southern states to cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping Jim Crow laws. This migration transformed the cultural landscape, contributing to the Harlem Renaissance and reshaping urban demographics. The influx of African Americans into these cities also led to racial tensions and changes in political power, ultimately influencing civil rights movements and reshaping America's social fabric.