Curated OER
What Masks Reveal
Students explore the cultural significance of masks by investigating the role they play in ceremonies and on special occasions in societies from widely separated regions of the world.
Curated OER
Extraordinary Explorers
Students, using the Internet, B41460research facts about explorers and travelers. They also state what places they have explored and share with the class.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
Black Past
Black Past: Bert Williams
This encyclopedia article gives a good overview of the life of Bert Williams, a black entertainer of the early 1900's who broke many color lines.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Oprah Winfrey
A biography of Oprah Winfrey, the much-loved and phenomenally successful talk show host and entertainment executive. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Ru Paul
Learn about RuPaul, the American entertainer who carved out an idiosyncratic place in popular culture as perhaps the most famous drag queen in the United States in the 1990s and early 21st century.
Digital History
Digital History: The Roaring Twenties [Pdf]
Read this comprehensive look at the Roaring Twenties, or Jazz Age. Read about Prohibition and its ramifications, women's gains, entertainment, and literature. Also find out about the resurgence of racial unrest and violence. A very good...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bessie Smith
Read detailed biographical information on the "Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith, a 1989 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
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.
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.
Black Past
Black Past: Dandridge, Dorothy
This interesting encyclopedia article tells about the ultimately tragic life of Dorothy Dandridge, a talented black actress.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Scott Joplin
This article includes information on the life and musical contributions of Scott Joplin, the composer who gave us such songs as "The Entertainer" and "The Maple Leaf Rag."
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.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Fighting the Good Fight in World War Ii 1941 1945: The Home Front
Discusses how America prepared for war, the impact on the work force in the United States, how women and other civilians supported the war effort, and how the war affected race relations.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Sean Combs
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Sean Combs, an American rapper, record producer, and clothing designer, who founded an entertainment empire in the 1990s.
Other
Harlem Renaissance
Brief description of the Harlem Renaissance period and the role that entertainer Florence Mills played. Provides to links to much more material.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Robert L. Johnson
This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Robert L. Johnson, an American businessman, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), and the first African American majority owner of a major professional...