Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Bearden,. Romare

For Students 9th - 10th
This short encyclopedia article tells about Romare Bearden, a prolific African American artist and author. Links to other websites for more information.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Grafton Tyler Brown (1841 1918)

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: The Art and Life of William H. Johnson

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
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...
Graphic
Other

Rhapsodies in Black: Art of the Harlem Renaissance

For Students 9th - 10th
An online exhibit of representative art from the Harlem Renaissance.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Ellington, Edward "Duke"

For Students 9th - 10th
Duke Ellington's prominence as one of the greatest American composers and key figure in the development of the genre of jazz is highlighted in this encyclopedia entry.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Cooke, Sam (1931 1964)

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Mary Lou Williams

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Mary Lou Williams, a jazz pianist who performed with and composed for many of the great jazz artists of the 1940s and '50s. This site, rich in detail and breadth...
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian American Art Museum: Sam Francis

For Students 9th - 10th
As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, this site provides biographical information on Sam Francis in addition to an extensive listing of his works as displayed at the museum.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian American Art Museum: Romaine Brooks

For Students 9th - 10th
As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, Romaine Brooks is described here along with information on her contributions to art through her use of a basic palette (black, white, and grays) and her own self-portrait.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

For Students 9th - 10th
Associated with the PBS program, this site contains a biography, a career timeline, video interviews with some of Poitier's fellow actors and an interview with the director of the PBS special. This site provides an in-depth look at the...
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Carrie Mae Weems

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides biographical details on the life of Carrie Mae Weems, American artist and photographer known for creating installations that combine photography, audio, and text to examine many facets of contemporary American life.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta Savage

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Website
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Alvin Ailey

For Students 9th - 10th
At this site from the John F. Kennedy Center you can read about the life and accomplishments of American choreographer, Alvin Ailey.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Laura Wheeler Waring

For Students 9th - 10th
Short biographical sketch on Laura Wheeler Waring, an American painter and educator who often depicted African American subjects.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Shirley Horn

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Shirley Horn, an American jazz artist whose ballads, sung in a breathy contralto to her own piano accompaniment, earned her both critical acclaim and popular renown. This site, rich in...
Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
Considered the "King Of Ragtime", Scott Joplin is introduced in this informative web page. Learn more about his background and his music.