Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 2: Langston Hughes and the Blues
Explore relationship between music and poetry in this African-American history lesson on Langston Hughes, the Harlem Renaissance, and other artists such as Bessie Smith, John Hammond, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson describes her experiences growing up as an African American girl in South Carolina and New York in the 1960s. Selected (6) reading passages (grades 3-6) to pair with "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson. [Free...
Utah State University
A Mini Unit of Gwendolyn Brooks
Nice lesson plan for grades 5-6 that explores poetry and personal expression through the work of Gwendolyn Brooks. Has lots of activities but could easily be modified for time. Has nearly everything you need to do the lesson!
CommonLit
Common Lit: Akron at Night by Teri Ellen Cross Davis
Teri Ellen Cross Davis is a poet who draws upon small, personal moments to explore large themes. Common subjects in her poetry include the experiences of women and people of color in America. This poem is from her 2016 collection Haint....
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Jean Toomer
A brief biography of Jean Toomer with links to his some of his poetry.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Yusef Komunyakaa
This is a link to two interviews of Komunyakaa: on poetry and on the heritage of jazz for African American poets. There is a commentary on "Tu Do Street". There are several links to other Komunyakaa sites.
Other
Poems by Phillis Wheatley
A collection of poems by Phillis Wheatley available as an entire online text. Search by specific poems. With preface and illustration.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Langston Hughes
This site provides a biography of Langston Hughes, followed by several of his poems (some complete with audio clips) and a bibliography of his more influential works.
Other
Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf]
An essay detailing the artistry of the Harlem Renaissance period as demonstrated in the poetry and writings derived from New York City in the 1920s.
Other
Usps: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song
Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...
Other
Guernica: Tracy K. Smith: Our Best Selves Are Reserved for the Page
An interview with Tracy K. Smith, the 2017 U.S. Poet Laureate, where she discusses writing a memoir, her poetry, and David Bowie. (Published June 28, 2016)
Other
Uncle Remus
This site offers a collection of 35 "Uncle Remus" stories, written by Joel Chandler Harris. In addition, many of Harris's songs and poems are gathered here, and some analysis of his work.
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.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Parsley
Read about the poem, Parsley, by African American poet, Rita Dove. This site goes into detail examing the poem and its signifciance.
Other
Mississippi Writers Page: Margaret Walker Alexander
The University of Mississippi lauds its native Margaret Walker Alexander. Included are biographical information, an extensive bibliography of her works and those written about her, and a link to the Margaret Walker Alexander National...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Poetry of Liberation: Amiri Baraka
Poet and playwright Amiri Baraka is featured in this brief biography for his radical views and contributions during the Black Arts Movement in America. See "Amiri Baraka Activities" for related resources.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: "Hard Rock Returns to Prison"
Text of the Etheridge Knight poem, "Hard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital for the Criminally Insane."
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: "The Idea of Ancestry" by Etheridge Knight
The text of Etheridge Knight's poem, "The Idea of Ancestry."
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Booker T. Washington and w.e.b. Du Bois
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart compares and contrasts the African American leaders of the late 1800's and early 1900's. It includes Venn Diagrams, quotes, pictures, and poetry.
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Alice Walker
Biographical information on American writer Alice Walker whose novels, short stories, and poems are noted for their insightful treatment of African-American culture. Her novels, most notably The Color Purple (1982), focus particularly on...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Henry Dumas
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Henry Dumas, an African-American author of poetry and fiction who wrote about the clash between black and white cultures.
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
University of Washington
Best Site on Colleen Mc Elroy
This site is from the University of Washington, where McElroy is a professor. It has biographical information, a list of her works, and other details about the writer.