Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Sterling A. Brown
Excellent biography citing influences on the famous author's work. Links to contemporaries of the era.
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.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: New Consciousness
Alain Locke's essay, "Enter the New Negro," is provided within this site and describes a new African American sense of self, inspired by migration to the urban North.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Zora Neale Hurston
This site focuses on Zora Neale Hurston including a bibliography, the video [2:30] "Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun" and links to 11 of her books including her most famous work There Eyes Were Watching God.
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Zora Neale Hurston
This Barnard-educated writer, anthropologist, and folklorist grew up in Eatonville, Florida; the first all-Black city in America. Read a short summary of her life and accomplishments.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Gwendolyn Brooks
The Academy recognizes this prolific writer and her works as part of the Harlem Renaissance. Content includes the full text of several of her poems, as well as a selected bibliography of her poetry, prose, and letters.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Truth" by Nikki Grimes
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...
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Selma Burke
Selma Burke discovered her love for sculpture as a young child and followed her passion to Harlem Renaissance New York, Parisian art studios, and even the White House.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Arna Bontemps
A brief biography and a list of the works written by Harlem Renaissance author, Arna Bontemps.
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.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University: Jean Toomer (1894 1967)
Excellent research site! Includes theme, perspective, form, style,audience, comparison, and contrast of the famous author's work.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University: Countee Cullen (1903 1946)
Includes form, style, comparison and contrast of Countee Cullen's work. Also has links to famous contemporaries of the era.
University at Buffalo
Phat African American Poetry Book: Arna Bontemps
Three of Arna Bontemps' more famous poems are printed here.
Other
Women in History: Zora Neale Hurston
Superb site that outlines essential information about Zora Neale Hurston. Links are provided for additional information.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Countee Cullen
Includes Countee Cullen's early life, his works and contains links to his contemporaries.
PBS
Pbs: Duke Ellington's Washington
This site explores the life of Duke Ellington, as well as the strong African-American community that flourished in Washington, D.C., during the time that Ellington lived there (1899-1923).
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin: Harry Ransom Center: Teaching the American 20s
Thematic overview of 1920s America that considers the shifts that took place in American society after World War I. Focuses on changing perspectives toward labor, capitalism, women, and immigration, as well as on the American reaction to...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: The Art of Romare Bearden
Newshour with Jim Lehrer, a nightly news broadcast on PBS, offers a wealth of material on Romare Bearden. Content includes the NewsHour report, a gallery of his artwork, extended interviews with the artist, and a companion lesson plan.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: American Lit and Composition: Their Eyes Were Watching God
This is an introduction to the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, which was hailed for its mastery of the southern black dialect and its artistic style and symbolism.
Other
America Dept. Of State: Outline of American Literature [Pdf]
This online book presents an overview of American literature chronologically. Eras and movements are explained and biographies of significant authors are provided. This is a good way to understand the background and influences of...
Other
Whitney Museum: Jacob Lawrence: Exploring Stories
A look at Jacob Lawrence and his art, and instructions on how to make your own tempera paints and "paint your own story," using Lawrence's work as inspiration.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: The Poetry and Prose of Langston Hughes [Pdf]
In this instructional activity, 11th graders explore how the poetry of Langston Hughes reflected political and social issues of the time and how literature can support social change.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Duke Ellington
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Music From the Ashes
This is a self-guided learning unit on the topic of poetry. Included are lessons, self-assessments, background information, learning activities, and related literature. Learn how to analyze poetry, appreciate figurative language, and...