My Hero Project
My Hero: Jacob Lawrence
Read this student article that portrays Jacob Lawrence as "the first African American artist to cross over the 'color line' and exhibit his work in galleries and museums previously only showing the works of white artists."
New York Times
New York Times: On This Day: Jesse Owens Dies of Cancer at 66
This obituary of Jesse Owens, hero of the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, was featured in the New York Times on April 1, 1980.
Other
Mad River Theater Works: The Ballad of John Henry [Pdf]
Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.
Other
Lives of Civil War Heroes: Biography of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw
Index to links for biographies of Robert Gould Shaw and information about the 54th Massachusetts.
Other
Hall of Black Achievement: Sergeant William H. Carney, c.m.h.: Civil War Hero
A brief biography of William H. Carney, inspiration of the 54th Massachusetts. There is a link to an audio reading of the narrative.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey's work with the African Mountain Gorilla makes her a hero to both animals and people. Use this resource to learn about her studies and her campaign against poaching.
S.E. Schlosser
American Folklore: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man
At this site read about John Henry, the steel-drivin' man who uses two hand-held hammers to dig a tunnel faster than a steam drill!
My Hero Project
My Hero: Langston Hughes
This introduction to the life and writing of Langston Hughes profiles the poet who emerged with the Harlem Renaissance to earn "a place amongst the greatest poets America has ever produced."
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."
My Hero Project
My Hero: Arthur Ashe
Use this resource to learn about Arthur Ashe, the tennis star who urged that health education be available to all.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Hank Aaron
Major League Baseball's all-time leading career home run hitter, Hank Aaron is a baseball legend. Use this resource to learn about his career as a great hitter and role model.
Other
In Search of Heroes: George Washington Carver
This site from Grace Products Corporation provides a wealth of information detailing George Washington Carver's life. Content includes a biography, timeline, and more.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Maya Angelou
This resource offers the text given by two middle school students on why Angelou is their hero. It also contains an extensive biography given by Susannah Abbey. It has the text to the poem "A Brave and Startling Truth."
Black Past
Black Past: Louis, Joe
Read about Joe Louis, successful boxer, in this encyclopedia article.
Black Past
Black Past: Muhammad Ali
In this brief encyclopedia entry, you can read about Muhammad Ali, famous as a boxer, but, perhaps more so, as an ambassador of good will. There are links to other websites for more information.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bernard Shaw
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Bernard Shaw, an American television journalist and the first chief anchor for the Cable News Network (CNN). Shaw's childhood heroes included newsman Edward R. Murrow, whose television...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Martin Luther King, Jr.
A brief biography of civil rights hero, Martin Luther King, Jr. This article touches on his early life, but focuses on his actions as a leader of nonviolent change to bring equality to African Americans. Find a speech given by Robert...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Muhammad Ali
Summary of the life and career of world heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Robert Smalls
Brief biographical details on Robert Smalls, an African-American slave who became a naval hero for the Union in the American Civil War and went on to serve as a congressman from South Carolina during Reconstruction.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man
This ibiblio.org site deeply explores the truth behind the legend of John Henry. Content includes interviews with numerous scholars who take a look at how this legend may have been created. Scholars also analyze historical facts versus...
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Minneapolis Institute of Arts: World Myths and Legends in Art
Fully comprehensive site that dives into world myths and world cultures. View art that expresses mythological themes from various cultures around the world and learn about cultural similarities and differences. Key words for learning,...
Encyclopedia Mythica
Encyclopedia Mythica
The home page of Encyclopedia Mythica from which you can access its full range of content on myths from throughout the world. Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Japanese, and Chinese mythology are the site's most popular areas, but many...