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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Masks Reveal

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extraordinary Explorers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students, using the Internet, B41460research facts about explorers and travelers. They also state what places they have explored and share with the class.
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Lesson Plan
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Bert Williams

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Website
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Oprah Winfrey

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Ru Paul

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Roaring Twenties [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bessie Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Article
PBS

Pbs Online News Hour: The Art of Romare Bearden

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Article
BBC

Bbc News: Week of 5 26 14: Obituary: Maya Angelou

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Dandridge, Dorothy

For Students 9th - 10th
This interesting encyclopedia article tells about the ultimately tragic life of Dorothy Dandridge, a talented black actress.
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Unknown Type
My Hero Project

My Hero: Scott Joplin

For Students 3rd - 8th
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."
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Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: Fighting the Good Fight in World War Ii 1941 1945: The Home Front

For Students 11th - 12th
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.
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Article
BBC

Bbc: How Oprah Conquered the u.s.

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn how Oprah became a billionaire.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Sean Combs

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Sean Combs, an American rapper, record producer, and clothing designer, who founded an entertainment empire in the 1990s.
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Website
Other

Harlem Renaissance

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief description of the Harlem Renaissance period and the role that entertainer Florence Mills played. Provides to links to much more material.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Robert L. Johnson

For Students 9th - 10th
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...