TED-Ed
Why should you read Toni Morrison's "Beloved"? | Yen Pham
Two tiny handprints stamped into a cake. A mirror that shatters without warning. A trail of cracker crumbs strewn along the floor. Everyone at 124 Bluestone Road knows their home is haunted— but there's no mystery about the spirit...
Curated Video
Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas transformed her challenging experiences into groundbreaking novels, inspiring young African Americans to raise their voices.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Voices & Visions: Langston Hughes
James Baldwin and biographer Arnold Rampersad discuss the works and influence of African American writer Langston Hughes. There are also several links to other resources about Hughes. Video is part of a series entitled "Voices and...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Invisible Man: Plot Summary
This video [8:21] from the American Masters film Ralph Ellison: An American Journey features a plot summary of Invisible Man and discussion of the novel's significance in the history of African American literature. Students should watch...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: August Wilson on Writing
In this video [4:35] from August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand, Wilson and others discuss his unique writing process. Discussion questions are provided.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Piano Lesson
"The Piano Lesson," the 1930s-era drama from August Wilson's century cycle is discussed in this video [5:16] from August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand. The video features commentary on the ways in which "The Piano Lesson" reflects...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Resurrecting Zora Neale Hurston: Alice Walker
In this video (2:20, Alice Walker discusses how Zora Neale Hurston's ability to portray black people as "undiminished human beings" shaped her as a writer. This is evident in The Color Purple which, like Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: American Masters Collection: Alice Walker
This is a collection of three video lessons about Alice Walker and her works from the PBS American Masters Collection.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: August Wilson and the Black Arts Movement
The Ground on Which I Stand examines the influence of the Black Arts Movement on the writing of the renowned playwright. Wilson came of age during the Black Power and Black Arts Movements and was greatly influenced by their political,...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Color Purple: American Masters: Alice Walker
Alice Walker chose to write "The Color Purple" as a series of letters in the spoken vernacular of the characters. This video [4:12] from Alice Walker: "Beauty in Truth" explores the significance of Walker's decision to use this form and...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: A Black Writer in the South: American Masters: Alice Walker
In this video [3:25], Alice Walker shares stories from her childhood that highlight the strong female figures in her family, particularly her mother who stood her ground against the white landowner and insisted on an education for her...
PBS
Pbs.org: Gwendolyn Brooks Dramatic Reading
Actual audio/video of Brooks reading. Also included are excellent quotes from the author.