University at Buffalo
Phat African American Poetry Book: Arna Bontemps
Three of Arna Bontemps' more famous poems are printed here.
University at Buffalo
Circle Association: Harlem Renaissance History and Links
This resource from the Circle Association at the University of Buffalo gives background on the origins of the Harlem Renaissance and highlights its most famous authors.
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...
Other
Wired for Books: "Their Eyes Were Watching God"`
Professors discuss the book by Zora Neale Hurston. Gives insight into the style and character analysis.
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).
Other
Women in History: Zora Neale Hurston
Superb site that outlines essential information about Zora Neale Hurston. Links are provided for additional information.
Other
Vanderbilt.edu."the the Black Female & Renaissannce Rena
Highly detailed article concerning this famous era. Historical significance is addressed and a well-written analysis of many authors.
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.
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
John Carrol University: Harlem Renaissance Multimedia Resource
This site about the Harlem Renaissance includes audio and video files. A great resource that discusses many aspects of the Harlem Renaissance including African American education, politics, literature, and philosophy.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Countee Cullen
Includes Countee Cullen's early life, his works and contains links to his contemporaries.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Drop Me Off in Harlem
A collection of biographies, video and audio clips, and photos offer a look at the people, locations, and themes of the Harlem Renaissance.
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.
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.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Jazz Age: Redefining the Nation 1919 1929: A New Generation
Looks at the new morality that emerged in the 1920s. It changed the role of women and the perception of African Americans, the latter facilitated by the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on the music and dance of the Jazz Age. Also...
Other
The Poetry Archive: "I, Too" by Langston Hughes
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...
Crayola
Crayola: Bold and Bright in Harlem (Lesson Plan)
This lesson plan incorporates art into a social studies or language arts class. Students create their own pictures, using the work of Harlem Renaissance artists as inspiration. Also provides resources and adaptations to try with this...
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...
Howard University
Howard University: Sterling A. Brown, a Literary Tribute
This tribute article discusses the author as a professor, critic and Poet Laureate.
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.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Wallace Thurman
This site includes the author's credits as an editor and playwright, a biography, and links to three of his books.
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...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Harlem Renaissance
Extensive information about the Harlem Renaissance, a period of time considered to be the cultural awakening of African Americans. Included are sections on poetry, fiction, and drama, as well as the legacy of this movement.