Alain Leroy Locke (1886–1954) frequented Harlem, especially after 1924 when he was on sabbatical from Howard University, and was welcomed into the company who met regularly in the cafes and nightclubs. He established himself as the “philosophical midwife” of Harlem’s literary and artistic talent. He also became spokesperson for the New Negro Movement. He secured backing for many of the artists and writers, helped to establish the Harlem Museum of African Art, and became the interpreter of Harlem’s cultural expressions there and nationwide.