University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Langston Hughes
If you are looking for biographical information on Langston Hughes and/or excerpts and reviews of his work, this site is a bonanza! The table of contents makes it easy to click to the section you want.
Smithsonian Institution
Anacostia Museum: The Renaissance: Black Art of the Twenties
Provides an informative description of the "Black Arts of the Twenties," which was better known as the Harlem Renaissance. Learn about the culture, art, music, and writings of this period.
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 activity!
University at Buffalo
Buffalo University: Richard Wright Biography
This site offers a very detailed biography along with a photography of Wright. Aligns the events in his life with the works he wrote. Good historical background of his literature.
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.
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.
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Maya Angelou
Read a biography of African-American writer Maya Angelou, a woman whose career has inspired and affected millions of people.
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Gwendolyn Brooks
The National Women's Hall of Fame offers a biography of renowned black American poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Crafting a Voice for Black Culture
NPR's Vertamae Grosvenor interviews Alice Walker about her connection to Zora Neale Hurston. Walker talks about how Hurston inspired her writing, even though the two writers never met. The site also contains audio of Walker reading her...
Library of Congress
Loc: Web Guides: A Guide to Harlem Renaissance Materials
Presents the Library's resources as well as links to external web sites on the Harlem Renaissance, and a bibliography.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Langston Hughes
This site gives a short biography of Langston Hughes's life, a "Mini Bio: Langston Hughes" video [3:33] and links to 20 of his books.