"The New Negro" was a term popularized by writer and philosopher Alain Locke in his seminal anthology titled "The New Negro: An Interpretation," which was published in 1925. The term and the movement it represented marked a significant shift in the cultural and intellectual landscape of African American society during the early 20th century.

The concept of "The New Negro" promoted a redefinition and reassertion of Black identity, pride, and cultural expression in the face of ongoing racism and discrimination. The goal was to challenge prevailing stereotypes and narratives about African Americans and to highlight their achievements, resilience, and creativity.

The New Negro movement was closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic explosion centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. During this period, Black writers, artists, musicians, and intellectuals produced a wealth of groundbreaking work that celebrated Black culture and history.

Overall, "The New Negro" represented a call for self-determination, self-expression, and self-respect within the African American community. It laid the foundation for later civil rights and Black empowerment movements, shaping the course of Black history in America.