Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Dennis Brutus

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Dennis Brutus, a poet whose works centre on his sufferings and those of his fellow blacks in South Africa. This site, rich in detail and breadth of coverage,...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Sonia Sanchez

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical details on American poet, playwright, and educator, Sonia Sanchez, who was noted for her black activism.
Website
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Arna Bontemps

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography and a list of the works written by Harlem Renaissance author, Arna Bontemps.
Lesson Plan
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Understanding Poetry of Maya Angelou Through Rap Lyric

For Teachers 9th - 10th
By examining the lives and lyrics of popular, positive black female rappers such as Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill, students can trace a direct line back to the inspirational writer and poet, Maya Angelou. Rap lyrics will help explicate...
Lesson Plan
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Paul Laurence Dunbar

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This Web English Teacher site compiled links to learn more about Paul Laurence Dunbar's work. Explore this informative resource to learn more about his poetry and life.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: Literature & Life: Choice of Weapons

For Students 9th - 10th
It is hard to categorize Gordon Park, Sr., because he excelled in so many areas. He was well known for his writing, his photojournalism and in film. He also composed music. Listen here to an interview with Gordon Parks, Sr., and to...
Website
Other

Beltway Poetry Quarterly: Georgia Douglas Johnson

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed biography of Georgia Douglas Johnson. With selected works including the poem "YOUR WORLD" and a list of other suggested readings.
Unit Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Langston Hughes

For Students 3rd - 8th
A concise window into the world of Langston Hughes. He used his own life experiences to write poetry. Photographs help to engage the reader.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Bob Kaufman

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry features Bob Kaufman, an innovative African-American poet who became an important figure of the Beat movement.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Audre Lorde

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Audre Lorde, an African American poet, essayist, and autobiographer known for her passionate writings on lesbian feminism and racial issues.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Nikki Giovanni

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Nikki Giovanni, an African-American poet whose writings ranged from calls for violent revolution to poems for children and intimate personal statements.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Jessie Redmon Fauset

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief biographical account of the life and career of poet and writer Jessie Redmon Fauset (married name: Harris).
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Mari Evans

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Mari Evans, an African American author of poetry, children's literature, and plays.
Handout
Other

Marvin X

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
eBook
Other

Rita Dove and "Straw Hat"

For Students 9th - 10th
A short bio is provided along with Rita Dove's poem "Straw Hat". Links provided to other sites with information about, and poetry by Dove.
Primary
Other

Poems by Phillis Wheatley

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection of poems by Phillis Wheatley available as an entire online text. Search by specific poems. With preface and illustration.
Unit Plan
Shmoop University

Shmoop: Africa

For Students 9th - 10th
This poem by Maya Angelou taps into the black pride movement during the twentieth century. This site gives an excellent analysis of the poem and its important themes.
Graphic
Curated OER

Phillis Wheatley: Life and Poems

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical note about the 18th century African American poet Phillis Wheatley.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Adah Isaacs Menken

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Adah Isaacs Menken, an American actress and poet widely celebrated for her daring act of appearing (seemingly) naked, strapped to a running horse.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Alice Dunbar Nelson

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Alice Dunbar Nelson, a novelist, poet, essayist, and critic associated with the early period of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and '30s.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Lucy Terry

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the life of Lucy Terry, poet, storyteller, and activist of colonial and postcolonial America.
Website
Other

Phillis Wheatley: Life and Poems

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical note about the 18th century African American poet Phillis Wheatley.
Activity
BBC

Bb Ci Audio Interviews: Alice Walker

For Students 9th - 10th
The BBC provides audio clips from two different radio interviews with Alice Walker. Additional content includes a brief biography and a list of key works.
Unit Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Langston Hughes

For Students 3rd - 8th
A concise window into the world of Langston Hughes. He used his own life experiences to write poetry. Photographs help to engage the reader.