The rich, vibrant African American culture has spread far and wide through our world. Follow the routes taken over the millennia by examining the following maps that include short descriptions. Listen to audio from slaves describing...

As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, Frank Jones is described here along with information on his contributions to art. Jones, an African American artist, was incarcerated for much of his life.

With this leasson plan, students will learn about prominent African American artist William H. Johnson and his influence both on the history of art and black American culture. Select a link for the desired grade level version of this...

As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, Joshua Johnson is described here along with information on his contributions to art. Johnson is the "earliest documented" African American painter.

This short encyclopedia article tells about Romare Bearden, a prolific African American artist and author. Links to other websites for more information.

Learn about Grafton Tyler Brown, the most successful African American artist in the 19th Century west, who lived his adult life as a white man.

A manifesto and scenes from a play illustrating black protest in the theater. LeRoi Jones's short manifesto, "The Revolutionary Theatre," and Douglas Turner Ward's, " Day of Absence" encapsulates the mindset of many black writers and...

This is a four slide-show examination of the pictorial series that the Harlem Renaissance artist Jacob Lawrence created in paint to tell the story of the "The Great Migration" of African-Americans from the Southern United States to the...

As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, this site provides brief biographical information on John Biggers in addition to an extensive listing of his works as displayed at the museum.

Take a look into the life of blues artist Muddy Waters (1913-1983 CE). With an informative biography and an interactive career timeline, you will enjoy learning about this music legend.

A concise biographical sketch that examines the contributions of African American painter and Pennsylvania native, Horace Pippin.

Profiles William H. Johnson, an African-American artist best known for his paintings and prints of landscapes and portraits.

As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, this site provides biographical information on William Henry Johnson in addition to an extensive listing of his works as displayed at the museum.

Sam Cooke's influence on music, as the pioneer in cross-over from gospel to rhythm and blues, is described in this encyclopedia entry. His music was important to the African-American identity in the Civil Rights movement.

As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, Thornton Dial, Sr. is described here along with information on his contributions to art through his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

An online exhibit of representative art from the Harlem Renaissance.

Poet laureate Langston Hughes is featured in this brief biography highlighting his vast collection of writings, particularly his poetry, which drew upon racial and self awareness in America. See "Langston Hughes Activities" for related...

Learn about the background and artistic influence of ballet dancer Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer for the acclaimed American Ballet Theater. The site also provides links to videos and magazine articles...

Biographical account covers the life and career of Jacob Lawrence, African-American painter of the 20th century.

Biographical summary of the life and career of Hughie Lee-Smith, an African-American surrealist painter.

Read interesting facts about the life of American sculptor and educator, Augusta Savage, who battled racism to secure a place for African American women in the art world.

Biographical account covers the life and career of Romare Bearden, African-American painter who worked in many different types of media.

Biographical summary of the life and career of Edward Mitchell Bannister, a noted African American painter of the nineteenth century.

Biographical summary of the life and career of Archibald John Jr Motley, African American visual painter whose work was divided between portraits and narrative paintings.