"The New Negro" was a term popularized during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that took place in Harlem, New York in the 1920s. Coined by the writer and philosopher Alain Locke, "The New Negro" represented a shift in the way African Americans were portrayed and how they saw themselves.

The term was used to challenge prevailing stereotypes and perceptions of Black people as inferior or limited in their abilities. Instead, "The New Negro" celebrated Black cultural contributions and advocated for self-expression, pride, and self-determination.

Prominent figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and W.E.B. Du Bois embraced the concept of "The New Negro" and used their art, writing, and activism to promote a more positive and empowering image of Black identity. This era saw the rise of African American literature, music, art, and intellectual thought that continues to influence culture and society to this day.

Overall, "The New Negro" represented a turning point in Black history, marking a period of increased awareness, activism, and cultural expression among African Americans.