National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Poetry, Making of African American Identity: V. 3
This study of black protest poems from the early part of the twentieth century through the late sixties can provide insight into the issues African Americans faced during that time and the ways they responded to them. Works from seven...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Popular Culture, Making of African American Identity: V. 2
A sculpture, poster, poem, and a painting that challenge black stereotypes in the early-twentieth century. Links to these precursors to the Harlem Renaissance are provided at the top of the page.
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Discovering a Passion for Poetry W/ Langston Hughes
After analyzing examples of contemporary youth poetry as well as the poetry of Langston Hughes, learners will use the Internet to conduct research on how events in the world have shaped Hughes' work. They will cite specific examples that...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Claude Mc Kay
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.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay
A biography and analysis of the life of the famous author, as well as literary criticism as well as online poems, letters and a bibliography. Includes many quotes and his poetry.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Jean Toomer
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.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: Gwendolyn Brooks
Writer Gwendolyn Brooks is presented in this biography for her contributions to African American literature. Click on "Gwendolyn Brooks Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
University of North Carolina
Documenting the American South: Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley
This site from the University of North Carolina provides the full text of Phillis Wheatley's poetry, and her memoirs.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Langston Hughes
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...
PBS
Pbs: The Blues as Poetry
Discover what the relationship is between poetry and the blues. This site features lesson plans and online resources.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay's Life
A concise and in-depth biography of the American poet known as Claude McKay (1890-1948 CE). McKay was one of the key members of The Harlem Renaissance Movement.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: 300 Women Who Changed History: Phillis Wheatley
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief biography of Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784 CE), the first African-American to have a book of poetry published.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Tracy K. Smith, New u.s. Poet Laureate, Calls Poems Her 'Anchor'
A profile of Tracy K. Smith, the U.S. Poet Laureate for 2017. Includes an audio recording of her reading the poem "When Your Small Form Tumbled Into Me." (Published June 14, 2017)
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: On "The Weary Blues"
This site features four different reviews of Langston Hughes' debut award winning volume of poems "Weary Blues". Compiled by the University of Illinois.
Other
Beltway Poetry Quarterly: Georgia Douglas Johnson
A detailed biography of Georgia Douglas Johnson. With selected works including the poem "YOUR WORLD" and a list of other suggested readings.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Lift Every Voice and Sing
Explore and analyze "Lift Every Voice and Sing" , a poem by James Weldon Johnson, which was set to music and is considered the "Black National Anthem."
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: The First Black Female Poet?
This article looks at a ballad, 'Bars Fight,' by 18th century African-American writer Lucy Terry. It considers the literary qualities of a ballad, and its historical role in society. It then goes on to consider why a Black slave might...
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Lucille Clifton (1936 2010)
Biographical information on the life and works of poet Lucille Clifton.
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.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Paul Laurence Dunbar
Use this resource to learn about what makes African-American writer, Paul Laurence Dunbar, heroic in the eyes of others. This article includes information on his life and poetry, as well as "related links" to further related information.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Reading Guide to Langston Hughes
This guide discusses Langston Hughes's body of poetry, as well as briefly analyzing characteristics in several individual poems. The site also offers an interview with writer Afaa Weaver regarding Hughes's works, discussion questions, a...
University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo: Jean Toomer Unpublished Works
You can see the texts of unpublished works at this site.
Other
Harvard Magazine: A Conversation With Tracy K. Smith '94
An interview with Tracy K. Smith, the 2017 U.S. Poet Laureate, where she talks about her memoir, Ordinary Light. (Published April 9, 2015)
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: February 1: Victor Herbert and Langston Hughes
This section of Today in History tells about the lives of Victor Herbert and Langston Hughes and gives links to pertinent historical primary materials relating to them.
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