Colorism in the 20th century was much of a more severe action than it is today. Since the beginning of history, white Americans were the preferred race—excluding African Americans from the rest of the society. This system of discrimination compared darker skin complexions with lighter skin complexions leaving black people no choice but to feel exclusion. 

Regardless of  their internal exclusion, African Americans surpassed this idea in Harlem, New York City where promotion for African American expression and creativity took place. During the 20th century, African Americans were involved in making music like jazz where they performed in venues like the cotton club. Though African Americans were creatively advanced they were still considered uneducated.