African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: The Pyramids of Egypt
Considered to be the "largest single building ever constructed by man," The Great Pyramid of Khufu is regarded as the greatest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This article gives a detailed description of this pyramid,...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Toni Cade Bambara
Toni Cade Bambara is featured in this brief biography for her ability to combine and advocate for both feminism and black minorities through her literature. See "Toni Cade Bambara Activities" for related resources.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Alice Walker
Alice Walker is highlighted in this brief biography for her acclaimed contributions to literature, relating the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Click on "Alice Walker Activities" for related materials.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Jean Toomer
This is a brief biography of Jean Toomer, an African American author of poetry and short stories, published in many magazines in the early twentieth century. Click on "Jean Toomer Activities" for related materials.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Mosaic: Influence of Prominent Abolitionists
See documents and pictures of those actively involved in the anti-slavery movement. From the Library of Congress.
Other
Database of Award Winning Children's Literature
This is a phenomenal resource. It allows the user to create a reading list of quality children's literature based of choices such as reading level, type of book, genre, ethnicity, gender, etc. In addition, one can determine if a book won...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: The Black Press
Selections from a black newspaper, "The Colored American, "from 1837-1838 that detail the numerous issues and agendas confronting enslaved and free blacks.
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.
University of Virginia
Explorations in Black Leadership: Amiri Baraka
A short biography of African American writer Amiri Baraka and an interview with him conducted by Julian Bond available in video download or script format. With insight into influential people in his life, career development, influence of...
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.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Lorraine Hansberry
This site focuses on Lorraine Hansberry, author of A Raisin in the Sun, including a short biography, "The Lorraine Hansbury: Mini -Documentary" video [10:38], and links to four of her books.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Paul Laurence Dunbar
This site focuses on Paul Laurence Dunbar including a biography that includes a poem in dialect "Negro Love Song" illustrating how well the author used this format. It also includes links to eight of his books.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Ralph Ellison
This site offers a biography with a photo of Ellison and a video entitled "The Novel: Ralph Ellison on Work in Progress 1966" [28:56]. It also has links to seven of his books.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Elijah Muhammad
This site describes the role of Elijah Muhammad as the "Messenger of Allah." It includes a picture, a video [20:38] of a rare interview with Muhammad, and a link to one of Elijah Muhammad's books, 100 Answers to the Most Common 100...
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay
A biography and analysis of the life of the famous author, as well as literary criticism as well as online poems, letters and a bibliography. Includes many quotes and his poetry.
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...
McGraw Hill
Glencoe Literature: "Sounder" Study Guide [Pdf]
Teachers can share the award-winning young adult novel "Sounder" with their students through the use of this 40 page study guide. "Sounder", by African American author William H. Armstrong, is about a young boy in the American South who...
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: Harlem Renaissance and the Flowering of Creativity
A description of the African-American literary and musical boom known as the Harlem Renaissance after World War I and before World War II. Profiles some of the prominent figures involved in the movement.
University at Buffalo
Phat African American Poetry Book: Arna Bontemps
Three of Arna Bontemps' more famous poems are printed here.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Regional Realism: Joel Chandler Harris
Creator of Uncle Remus and other African American folklore tales, journalist Joel Chandler Harris is featured as a revolutionary writer regarding oppression and prejudices. For more resources click the "Joel Chandler Harris Activities" tab.
Other
Iola Leroy, Or, Shadows Uplifted
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's novel is offered by the Schomburg African American Women Writers project in machine-readable form.
PBS
Literature & Life: Renaissance
Some of the African-American writers and poets who were prominent in the early part of the twentieth century are featured on this page. They were important voices during what became known as the 'black Renaissance'. Here, you can listen...
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: "Letter From Spain"
This site from Modern American Poetry provides a review of the famous poem by Langston Hughes. The information that is provided is somewhat brief, but factual, and worth checking out.