US National Archives
Samuel Chapman Armstrong: A Biographical Study
A book-length biography of Samuel Chapman Armstrong, founder of Hampton Institute, a historically Black school founded during Reconstruction. The biography was written by Armstrong's daughter, Edith Armstrong Talbot, in 1904. The book is...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: The Rita Dove Home Page
This is the official University of Virginia's Rita Dove Home Page. Read either a brief or a comprehensive biography on Rita poet. This site also offers photographs of Rita Dove and links to other related Rita
Other
U.s. Army: Ruth Quinn: James Armistead Lafayette (1760 1832)
Spy extraordinaire of the American Revolution, James Armistead Lafayette, is featured in this biography. Armistead was born a slave in Virginia and became a member of the Continental Army in 1781.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Congressman John R. Lewis
A biography of John R. Lewis, one of the leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. He participated in pivotal resistance campaigns such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington, and went on the serve in the United States...
Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts Historical Society: Phillis Wheatley
Read a biography of Phillis Wheatley, along with poems and letters written by her.
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Maya Angelou (1928 2014)
A look at the life and works of poet and writer Maya Angelou, complete with detailed biography, bibliography, links to poems and articles.
Other
Pdn and Kodak Professional: Gordon Parks: Memories Left Behind
Offers an overview into the life of well known writer, composer, photojournalist, and artist, Gordon Parks. Included is a gallery of images, a brief biography, and video clips of selected interviews.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Who Is Katherine Johnson?" by Nasa
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: b.b. King
Blues artist B.B. King biography provides an overivew of King's life and musical career. Site contains two videos of King performing.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Jessye Norman
A biography of Jessye Norman, a classical soprano opera singer. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Maya Angelou
A well-written biography of Maya Angelou. Includes a profile, interview and photo gallery. In the interview, she talks at length about her friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he was like as a person.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Oprah Winfrey
A biography of Oprah Winfrey, the much-loved and phenomenally successful talk show host and entertainment executive. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Quincy Jones
Detailed biography of the life of Quincy Jones who is famous for many talents including conducting, acting, instrumentalist, and record producer.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Whoopi Goldberg
A biography of actress and activist, Whoopi Goldberg. Whoopi has appeared in numerous movies and television series, and has supported a variety of humanitarian causes. She is also well known for her role on the daily talk show The View....
Curated OER
National Park Service: Intl Civil Rights Walk of Fame: Henry "Hank" Aaron
The National Park Services provides a succinct biography of the famed baseball player, Hank Aaron.
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Lucille Clifton (1936 2010)
Biographical information on the life and works of poet Lucille Clifton.
Other
Apri: Biographical Notes, A. Philip Randolph 1889 1979
An in-depth biography on A. Philip Randolph gives details about his family, childhood, and his life dedicated to the fight for civil, labor, and human rights.
Library of Congress
Loc: Web Guides: Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith: Online Resources
A collection of online resources compiled by the Library of Congress for information on Tracy K. Smith, the U.S. Poet Laureate for 2017. Includes links to biographical information, audio recordings, videos, articles, essays, and book...
Other
Marvin X
Marvin X, a Black male playwright, was active in the Black arts movement. This biography begins at the point of his theatre activity, the 60's. The article is introduced by Marvin's winning smile, and is followed by a complete account of...
Other
Paley Center for Media: She Made It: Oprah Winfrey
Provides a summary, biography, and a collection of Oprah Winfrey. Click on the tabs to access these.
Other
Afri Classical: Scott Joplin (C. 1867 1917)
A detailed biography of Scott Joplin's life, with a resource list and a lengthy bibliography that includes his musical compositions.
Other
Lexington Minutemen: Prince Estabrook
Learn about the book "Prince Estabrook, Slave and Soldier" by Alice Hinkle. This biography tells the story of the enslaved Revolutionary War Minuteman.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is known mainly for his rhythmic poems set to music. This site gives an in-depth look at his background, including biographical information, what he wrote about, who influenced him, and his level of success.
University of Massachusetts
U Mass Amherst: Du Bois Central
A collection of resources about W.E.B. DuBois, founder of the NAACP, who committed his life to opposing racial and social injustices. Includes photographs, papers, information on the Niagara Movement, exhibits, timeline, and a biography...