University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry:gwendolyn Bennett
This page offers a biography of Gwendolyn Bennet, as well as critical essays on some poems. Includes a picture.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Ernest J. Gaines
Biography of American author, Ernest Gaines, well-known for his novels and essays, including The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman and A Gathering of Old Men, both adapted for television.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Audra Mc Donald
Biography of Audra McDonald, actress and winner of six Tony Awards.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: School Publishers: Jackie Robinson
America honors Jackie Robinson's first year in baseball's major leagues. This site has a brief biography of Jackie Robinson and how he broke the race barrier.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Etheridge Knight (1931 1991)
Modern American Poetry offers both biographical information about Black Arts poet, Etheridge Knight, and excepts of analyses of his poems.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 1906)
This excellent site provides a biography, critical commentary on several poems, examples of Dunbar's illustrated work, images and the text of several poems.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Muddy Waters
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.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Sterling A. Brown (1901 1989)
An extensive look at the life and works of Sterling A. Brown of the Harlem Renaissance. With links to specific poems and analysis, a biography, and related topics.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: George Washington Carver
An introduction to George Washington Carver, the talented, intelligent inventor. Learn why he was called a "Miracle Worker" for his vast knowledge of plants and agriculture. (In Spanish)
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Langston Hughes
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...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Southern Renaissance: Richard Wright
Author Richard Wright is presented in this biography which draws upon his brutal honesty in describing life in the racially segregated south. See "Richard Wright Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
Black Past
Black Past: Roscoe Dunjee
Read the biography of African American writer and civil rights activist Roscoe Dunjee.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: American Women: Jessie Fauset
Read a brief biography of Jessie Fauset, who was a leader in the Harlem Renaissance. See a portrait of her painted by Laura Wheeler Waring.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay's Life
A concise and in-depth biography of the American poet known as Claude McKay (1890-1948 CE). McKay was one of the key members of The Harlem Renaissance Movement.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Condoleezza Rice
Learn interesting facts about Condoleezza Rice, the first African American woman to hold several positions, including Secretary of State.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Arthur Ashe
This brief biography of athlete Arthur Ashe describes his rise to fame in the world of sports, his work as an activist and his diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Social Realism: Booker T. Washington
Focused on his personal racial and civil philosophy, Booker T. Washington moved mountains making the public aware of the injustices and inequalities of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Click "Booker T. Washington...
Stanford University
Stanford University: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
A scholarly biographical article on King taken from a work published in 1999 and written by the most authoritative scholar on King today.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Benjamin Bradley
Learn about inventor and African-American slave, Benjamin Bradley, developer of a steam engine large enough to run the first steam-powered warship.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Sojourner Truth
Learn about Sojouner Truth's eventful life from runaway slave to advocate for freedom and fairness. The first African American woman to speak out against slavery in public. (In Spanish)
A&E Television
Biography: Martin Luther King Jr. And Martin Luther: The Parallels Between the Two Leaders
In 1934, an African-American Baptist minister named Michael King made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and attended an international conference in Germany, where he learned about a native son and Protestantism founder Martin Luther....
University of Virginia
Explorations in Black Leadership: Amiri Baraka
A short biography of African American writer Amiri Baraka and an interview with him conducted by Julian Bond available in video download or script format. With insight into influential people in his life, career development, influence of...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Lloyd Richards
A biography of Lloyd Richards, an African American director who introduced Broadway theater audiences to the African American experience through their eyes. He nurtured the talents of some of the best playwrights of the time. Includes a...
Kentucky Educational Television
Kentucky Educational Television: Ellis Wilson: So Much to Paint
Created as a supplement to a television documentary on the African-American artist, Ellis Wilson, site content includes extensive biographical information, a timeline of his life, and examples of many of his paintings.