The Harlem Renaissance was significant for African American culture as it represented a period of cultural revival and artistic flourishing during the 1920s and 1930s. Centered in Harlem, New York, it saw an explosion of literary, musical, and artistic expression, with figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington gaining prominence. This movement fostered a sense of racial pride and identity, challenging the prevailing racial stereotypes of the time. It also laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism and contributed to a greater appreciation of African American contributions to American culture and society.