Alain Leroy Locke (1886-1954)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born here, Locke was an African-American critic and chronicler of the Harlem Renaissance. A Harvard graduate, Rhodes Scholar, and Howard University educator, he was a writer and promoter of Black art and culture.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Alain Leroy Locke was born here in 1886 and became one of the most influential interpreters of the Harlem Renaissance, the flowering of Black art and letters in the 1920s. A Harvard graduate and the first African American Rhodes Scholar, he taught for decades at Howard University while championing Black writers, artists, and musicians. His editing and criticism helped define the movement he called the flourishing of the 'New Negro.'
Why it matters
Locke gave intellectual shape to the Harlem Renaissance, elevating African American cultural achievement to national significance and shaping how the nation understood Black art and identity.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial1.8 mi away
- Hill-Physick House1.8 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Powel House1.9 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Bridgette Mayer2.0 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Merchants' Exchange Building2.0 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall2.1 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market1.3 mi away · Christian Street
- Commandant's Quarters1.8 mi away
- USS Becuna1.9 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia1.9 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS New Jersey2.0 mi away · Wiggins Promenade, Camden, NJ
- City Tavern2.0 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden1.9 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.9 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon2.0 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut2.0 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- FRIEDA2.0 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill2.0 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn1.8 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites1.9 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel1.9 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City1.9 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City2.0 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City2.0 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Alain Leroy Locke
Themes & tags
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