Alain Locke was a prominent figure in Black history as a philosopher, educator, and writer. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Harlem Renaissance" for his role in promoting and celebrating African American culture and art during this period of cultural and intellectual growth in the 1920s and 1930s.

Locke was the first African American Rhodes Scholar, earning a doctorate in philosophy from Harvard University. He was also a professor at Howard University and played a key role in the development of the university's Department of Philosophy. Locke's work focused on the importance of African American art and culture, and he believed in the power of art to uplift and empower marginalized communities.

Locke is best known for his influential anthology titled "The New Negro," which featured writings by prominent Black writers and thinkers of the time, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay. The anthology helped to define the cultural and intellectual movement of the Harlem Renaissance and promote the idea of a "New Negro" who embraced their African heritage and sought social and political equality.

Overall, Alain Locke's contributions to Black history are significant as he played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity and artistic expression of African Americans during a critical period in American history.