The Harlem Renaissance was a period of intellectual and literary growth promoting a new African American cultural identity in the United States. The 1920s and 1990s “were clearly peak periods for African-American cultural production.” During these years, black people were able to come together and form a united group that expressed a desire for enlightenment. “It is hard not to recognize the signs that African Americans are in the midst of a cultural renaissance” (English 807). This renaissance allowed black people to have a uniform voice in a society based on intellectual growth. The pioneers of this revival were extremely focused on cultural growth through intellect, literature, art and music. Using these means of growth, they hoped to destroy the pervasive racism and stereotypes that stifle African American society and aspired to racial and social integration. Many black writers spoke out during this time with books proving their natural humanity and desire for equality. In 1923, Jean Toomer's Cane was published by the Boni and Liveright publishing house and received favorable reviews. The book was published during the heart of the Harlem Renaissance and promoted encouragement and interest in African American culture. For the next forty years, Cane went out of print and seemed to fade away as an influential book. Many publishers claimed that Cane was too insignificant to be reprinted and denied the book's revival. In 1967, the book was finally reprinted. The reprinting took place during an era known as The Second Renaissance. During the Harlem Renaissance and the Second Renaissance, two periods of cultural renewal and rebirth, Toomer's novel was printed. Thus showing the importance of... middle of paper ...... where one's art would dominate societal prejudices and limitations undermining the inner talents of every person, regardless of race. The Harlem Renaissance, with Cane's help, had a positive outcome on African Americans by allowing them to conquer the social construct imposed on their race and succeed by revealing their inner dignity. Critical Inquiry 25 (1999): 807-821. JSTOR. Internet. April 20, 2011. http://www.jstor.org/pss/2712631. Toomer, Jean. Cane. New York: WW Norton & Company, 1988. Print.McKay, Nellie Y. Jean Toomer, Artist: a study of his literary life and works, 1894-1936. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, 1984. Print.