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Romare Bearden Foundation

For Students 9th - 10th
Site provides not only a biography of this great African-American artist, but many beautiful images of his work. At this site you can use "Bearden in the Classroom," for teaching ideas across grade levels. A great place to explore!
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Poetry Foundation

Poetry Foundation: Gwendolyn Brooks (1917 2000)

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Gwedolyn Brooks, the first African American woman author to win the Pulitzer prize. With career information and links to many of her poems, some with audio. Listen to podcasts about her work and read articles about the...
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American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: James Earl Jones

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of James Earl Jones, a well-known African American actor who has appeared on stage, television and in film. He has won two Tony Awards and an Oscar. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
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American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Sidney Poitier

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of actor Sidney Poitier. After a very humble beginning in life, Poitier struggled for years to overcome his lack of education and to break through racial barriers, eventually receiving recognition for his acting abilities. He...
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Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Black List Project: Beverly Johnson

For Students 9th - 10th
African American model and actress Beverly Johnson is featured in a brief biography including a photo.
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Scott Alexander

Lieutenant James Reese Europe: Songs Back From the Battle

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is an extensive biography of World War I African American soldier and jazz musician Lieutenant James Reese Europe. It includes much detail about Europe's life, experience in the military, and success as a bandleader. Photos,...
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New York Times

New York Times: Week of 5 26 14: Lyrical Witness of Jim Crow South, Dies at 86

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] African American poet Maya Angelou passed away this week. Learn about her difficult early life and rise to fame as a critically acclaimed author.
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Library of Congress

Loc: Zora Neale Hurston Plays

For Students 9th - 10th
Search or browse a collection of plays by Zora Neale Hurston, whose writing reflects life experiences, travels, research, and study of southern, African-American folklore. At this site, there is also a timeline of Hurston's life and works.
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Other

Rhode Island College: About Edward Mitchell Bannister

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a detailed biography of the famous African American artist, Edward Mitchell Bannister.
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Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: 300 Women Who Changed History: Phillis Wheatley

For Students 9th - 10th
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief biography of Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784 CE), the first African-American to have a book of poetry published.
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African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives a short biography of Langston Hughes's life, a "Mini Bio: Langston Hughes" video [3:33] and links to 20 of his books.
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Other

African American Registry: Joel Augustus Rogers: Renaissance Man

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the biography of the Jamaican writer Joel Augustus Rogers.
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African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Lorraine Hansberry

For Students 9th - 10th
This site focuses on Lorraine Hansberry, author of A Raisin in the Sun, including a short biography, "The Lorraine Hansbury: Mini -Documentary" video [10:38], and links to four of her books.
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African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Paul Laurence Dunbar

For Students 9th - 10th
This site focuses on Paul Laurence Dunbar including a biography that includes a poem in dialect "Negro Love Song" illustrating how well the author used this format. It also includes links to eight of his books.
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African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Ralph Ellison

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a biography with a photo of Ellison and a video entitled "The Novel: Ralph Ellison on Work in Progress 1966" [28:56]. It also has links to seven of his books.
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Phillis Wheatley

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief biography of early American poet Wheatley, including helpful links and other additional titles about her.
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A&E Television

Biography: James Armistead (C. 1748 C. 1830)

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of James Armistead [Lafayete] who was born into slavery in Virginia and later became a famous American spy during the War for Independence.
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Olaudah Equiano

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief biography of former slave Olaudah Equiano, also named Gustavus Vassa.
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Lewis Howard Latimer

For Students 9th - 10th
This is an excellent biography of Lewis Howard Latimer. It discusses his joy of learning throughout his entire life, and also includes additional links to help illustrate the topics presented.
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Colin Powell (Spanish Version)

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the fast-paced and successful career of General Powell. Find out more about this talented and patriotic American. (In Spanish)
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Colin Powell

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the fast-paced and successful career of General Powell. Find out more about this talented and patriotic American.
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PBS

Pbs: Jazz: Biographies: James Reese Europe

For Students 9th - 10th
Short but informative biography of jazz musician James Reese Europe (1881-1919) from Ken Burns' PBS documentary, Jazz.
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A&E Television

Biography: Dr. Benjamin Carson

For Students 9th - 10th
Staff biography of Dr. Benjamin Carson. Page briefly details Dr. Carson's involvement with Johns Hopkins Medical Center, his education and training, his certifications and current appointment as well as books that he has written....
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A&E Television

Biography: Hank Aaron

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a biographical sketch of Hank Aaron. This African American baseball player is one of the greatest of all time.