Alain Leroy Locke was the first African American to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar,
studying at Oxford for three years. Locke earned his doctorate in philosophy from
Harvard University in 1918. He became known as the philosophical architect and distinguished
himself as the "Father" of the Harlem Renaissance.
Locke earned his first Bachelor of Arts degree from Philadelphia School of Pedagogy where he graduated first in his class. One of his early writings published was, “Moral Training in Elementary Schools.” Locke would attend Harvard and graduate with degrees in English and Philosophy. After completing his Rhode Scholar studies at Oxford University and the University of Berlin, he returned to the United States to teach at Howard University. Locke taught at Howard University for almost 40 years until his retirement in 1953 as head of the Philosophy Department.
Locke was considered one of the most prolific authors of African American culture during his era. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to Locke as one of the great philosophers. In addition to his numerous published writings, Locke promoted African American artists, writers, and musicians. He encouraged them to showcase their work depicting the uniqueness of the African American community. He was mostly known for his anthology of writings and the movement called the New Negro which coincided with the Harlem Renaissance. The movement began to tear down previous stereotypes of African Americans and showcased the best of African American culture in literary, musical, theatrical, and visual arts.
Locke’s influence touched the lives of many people from various races, groups, and backgrounds. His philosophy paved the way for a transition to the Civil Rights movement, he challenged the thoughts of some political leaders, and he mentored and developed thousands of students and colleagues.
A quote from Alain Locke:
"Art must discover and reveal the beauty which prejudice and caricature have overlaid."