Curated OER
Literature and Art Through Our Eyes: African-American Artists
Examine the contributions of African-Americans in the worlds of art and literature. Over the course of a few days, young scholars will read and analyze a poem, a short story, and a piece of art. They complete a range of...
New York Times
New York Times: Week of 5 26 14: Lyrical Witness of Jim Crow South, Dies at 86
[Free Registration/Login Required] African American poet Maya Angelou passed away this week. Learn about her difficult early life and rise to fame as a critically acclaimed author.
![Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf] Article](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf] Article")
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.
Smithsonian Institution
Anacostia Community Museum: All the Stories Are True: African American Writers Speak
An online companion site for an exhibit showing at the Anacostia Community Museum. Read biographical information on many African American writers while viewing video clips and photos.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Spirit of Nationalism: Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley, an African-American slave, is featured for her neoclassical poetry of pre-nineteenth century America. Click on "Phillis Wheatley Activities" for more resources.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Race and Identity in Antebellum America
This unit features authors of Antebellum America and how they portray the American identity through their literature. Click on the tabs to explore the various resources available to enhance this unit.
Other
Scholastic News: Week of 5 26 14: Maya Angelou: Remembering a Life of Brilliance
Poet Maya Angelou, who passed away this week, was also a civil rights activist. Learn about the work she did, and why it was so important to her and many others.
BBC
Bbc News: Week of 5 26 14: Obituary: Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was not only a poet but also many other things including a teacher, civil rights activist, abuse survivor, mother and dancer. Learn about her remarkable life and why her work is so significant to many people.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Phillis Wheatley
Brief biography of early American poet Wheatley, including helpful links and other additional titles about her.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University: Phillis Wheatley (1753 1784)
Discusses classroom issues and strategies, themes, historical perspectives and issues, significant form, style and artistic conventions, original audience and comparison with Wheatley's contemporaries.
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.
PBS
Pbs: Masterpiece Theatre: The Harlem Renaissance
A review of the writers and artistry during the Harlem Renaissance by Masterpiece Theater. With links to Langston Hughes and a teacher's guide to watching the film "Cora Unashamed".
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Alex Haley
This site provides a concise biography of Haley, the video [12:28] "Alex Haley Interview Roots (Merv Griffin Show 1977)" and links to six of his books.
Other
Lesson Plan: Writing a Haiku
Check out this instructional activity on haiku that includes samples by Richard Wright. Young scholars and teachers will benefit from this educational tool.
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...
Other
University of Mississippi: Mississippi Writers Page: Richard Wright (1908 1960)
This site from the University of Mississippi provides biographical information on black American author, Richard Wright (1908-1960 CE). A list of his works is also included.
Other
Reading Group guides.com: Black Boy
This site features a reading group lesson plan for the book "Black Boy" by Richard Wright. Students and teachers will benefit from the informational discussion questions listed.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Richard Wright Lesson Plans
What do you know about the life and work of the author Richard Wright? Young scholars and teachers will benefit from the information provided through the links in this resource.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Alex Haley
This website contains a essay on Alex Haley's life and works, including background information on the novel "Roots" and critical reactions to it.
Library of Congress
Loc: A Voice of Her Own: Phillis Wheatley
The Library of Congress series biography of Phillis Wheatley also includes links to her selected writings.
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...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Southern Renaissance: Richard Wright
Author Richard Wright is presented in this biography which draws upon his brutal honesty in describing life in the racially segregated south. See "Richard Wright Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
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.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.