Harlem Renaissance "Brother to Brother" Essay

            In the movie “Brother to Brother,” written and directed by Rodney Evans, the main character, Perry, meets a legendary Harlem gay poet, Bruce Nugent. Perry learns about himself, his past and his heritage. He begins to understand about other poets from the Harlem Renaissance, which took place seventy-five years ago, and gets a good insight into their lives and the way of life for African-Americans. This story shows examples of Negro heritage, pride, and racial identification that are still relevant today.

Perry became more interested in Nugent’s life story because he identified with him as an African-American poet. Over time, Perry learns more about his own past than just about the Harlem Renaissance. Nugent has settled into his lower class way of life and accepted the results of his life, but Perry does not see why Nugent did not fight to be acknowledged for his talents during the time. Perry thought his work was moving, “so much happened, why didn’t you write about it?” Nugent was convinced that it was not his destiny and responsibility to write about the events of that time. He said, “it’ll live on.” He is referring to the struggles of a black poet and living in the Harlem Renaissance.

Even though Nugent is homeless, Perry feels a connection and a sense of pride because they are both black African-American gay poets. Perry never criticizes or stereotypes the random man on the street that is quoting some unknown poem him. When he realizes who the man is, he is even more interested to understand and learn from Nugent. Perry is inspired by Nugent, who does not intimidate.

When Nugent and Perry make a mutual agreement to help each other they are showing examples of brotherhood and racial identification. But as soon as Perry breaks the pact, Nugent is angry. He is determined to get Perry back on his feet to make a difference. He thinks Perry can make a difference and make a name for himself as an African-Americans. In a way, he sees himself within Perry, a struggling black poet in a community with little recognition and acknowledgment. He is inspired to help Perry, and also change the meaning of the word “Negro” in the next generation, Perry’s generation.

Nugent’s desire to reconstruct the meaning of “Negro” has a negative stereotype for African-American men from the time of Harlem. He has accepted the assumption that he is an insignificant minority in society. Perry’s generation does not experience this stereotype as much as previous generations.

            Many poets in the film present, through words, their emotions and opinions of society that reflect their desire to reconstruct the meaning of the word “Negro”. The poetry slams that Marcus and Perry attend are mostly filled with competitive artists trying to exploit their work to have the audiences understand their thoughts. They have the pride in their own race. In the film everyone is accepting, and no one seems to discriminate.

Marcus refers to the “black brotherhood” in which Perry and him look out for each other. For example, Marcus stood up for Perry when Perry was getting beaten up. Although Marcus never directly says “black brotherhood,” he implies the caring gesture.

The film shows Harlem Renaissance themes are still relevant seventy-five years later. The Harlem Renaissance poets’ messages will “live on” in history and be remembered. Perry and Nugent’s relationship are an example of Negro heritage, pride, and racial identification in the African-American community during Harlem Renaissance and today.