Aaron Douglas, Meta Warrick Fuller, Palmer Hayden, William Johnson, and James Lesesne Wells, the painters and sculptors of the Harlem Renaissance, are featured in a unit study of artists of the Harlem Renaissance.

Take poetry off the page and put it into terms of movement, physical space and, finally, music with this series of three lessons from the Smithsonian Institution. This resource introduces students to two poetic forms that originated as...

This lesson focuses on Countee Cullen, a Harlem Renaissance poet who based his works on Romantic poets and downplayed racism. It features links to three of his poems: "From the Dark Tower," "The Loss of Love," and "Saturday's Child." It...

This lesson focuses on the Harlem Renaissance poet Claude McKay and two of his poems: "If We Must Die" and "The Tropics of New York." It offers a short bio and links to the two poems, and then explains the style and meanings of the poems.

This lesson focuses on the Harlem Renaissance poet Jean Toomer and his poem "Reapers." It features a short bio, a link to his poem, and lists of leveled questions to help analyze poetry: Surface level, Deeper level, Application level,...

This is a succinct biography of Claude McKay, infamous Harlem Renaissance poet who expressed the need for the African American community in America to speak out against racism. See "Claude McKay Activities" for related materials.

Some of the African-American writers and poets who were prominent in the early part of the twentieth century are featured on this page. They were important voices during what became known as the 'black Renaissance'. Here, you can listen...

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...

From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, by permission of David Higham Associates, a recording from The Dream Keeper and Other Poems and a written version of "I, Too", written by Langston Hughes are provided on this site. Multiple...

A concise window into the world of Langston Hughes. He used his own life experiences to write poetry. Photographs help to engage the reader.

This poem appeared in Grimes' book "One Last Word", a collection inspired by poems from The Harlem Renaissance that follow the "Golden Shovel" form. In this poetic form, the poet takes a "striking line" from an inspirational poem and...

This quality site from the University of Illinois offers critical looks at Cullen's poetry as well as an excellent account of the author's life and the influences on his writing.

Grimes is well known for her award-winning books written for children and young adults. The poem "David's Old Soul" appeared in her book One Last Word, a collection inspired by poems from the Harlem Renaissance that follow the "Golden...

This is a brief biography of Jean Toomer, an African American author of poetry and short stories, published in many magazines in the early twentieth century. Click on "Jean Toomer Activities" for related materials.

A concise window into the world of Langston Hughes. He used his own life experiences to write poetry. Photographs help to engage the reader.