Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: "By the Bayou St. John" by Alice Dunbar
This is the full text of the short story "By the Bayou St. John" by Alice Dunbar, an African American poet, journalist and political activist. Among the first generation born free in the South after the Civil War.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Community and Culture, Making of African American Identity: V. 3
An attempt to define community as a shared culture. In this article and review, critic, poet, and playwright Larry Neal (1937-1981) applies the principles of self-determination espoused by Stokely Carmichael and others to the arts and...
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...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: 300 Women Who Changed History: Phillis Wheatley
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief biography of Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784 CE), the first African-American to have a book of poetry published.
PBS
Africans in America: Lucy Terry Prince: Freed Slave and Poet
This website describes the life of Lucy Terry Prince, first female African American poet. She obtained her freedom by marrying a wealthy free black man who purchased her freedom.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Etheridge Knight
A brief biography of Black Arts poet Etheridge Knight.
Washington State University
Washington State University: American Authors: Phillis Wheatley
A bibliographical list of works by or about the African American poet Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784). Click on the links to take you to the works. The first link takes you to a directory of files containing Wheately poetry or questions...
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.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 1906)
This excellent site provides a biography, critical commentary on several poems, examples of Dunbar's illustrated work, images and the text of several poems.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Hayden's Life and Career
Mark A. Sanders writes a biographical critique on Robert Hayden and his poetry.
Other
Guernica: Tracy K. Smith: Our Best Selves Are Reserved for the Page
An interview with Tracy K. Smith, the 2017 U.S. Poet Laureate, where she discusses writing a memoir, her poetry, and David Bowie. (Published June 28, 2016)
Other
Harvard Magazine: A Conversation With Tracy K. Smith '94
An interview with Tracy K. Smith, the 2017 U.S. Poet Laureate, where she talks about her memoir, Ordinary Light. (Published April 9, 2015)
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Sterling A. Brown (1901 1989)
An extensive look at the life and works of Sterling A. Brown of the Harlem Renaissance. With links to specific poems and analysis, a biography, and related topics.
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: George Moses Horton
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features George Moses Horton, an African American poet who wrote sentimental love poems and antislavery protests. He was one of the first professional black writers in America.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Melvin Tolson
Biographical information on Melvin Tolson, an African-American poet who worked within the modernist tradition to explore African-American issues.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Parsley
Read about the poem, Parsley, by African American poet, Rita Dove. This site goes into detail examing the poem and its signifciance.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Michael S. Harper
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Michael S. Harper, an African-American poet whose sensitive, personal verse is concerned with ancestral kinship, jazz and the blues, and the separation of the races in America.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Phillis Wheatley
The first published African-American poet, Phillis Wheatley used her words in an attempt to rid the country of slavery. This article includes an excerpt from a letter she wrote in 1774 and "related links" for further reading and research.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Poetry of Liberation: Amiri Baraka
Poet and playwright Amiri Baraka is featured in this brief biography for his radical views and contributions during the Black Arts Movement in America. See "Amiri Baraka Activities" for related resources.
Howard University
Howard University: Sterling A. Brown, a Literary Tribute
This tribute article discusses the author as a professor, critic and Poet Laureate.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Sterling A. Brown
Excellent biography citing influences on the famous author's work. Links to contemporaries of the era.
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.
![Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: A Guide for Middle School Teachers [Pdf] Unit Plan](http://content.lessonplanet.com/resources/thumbnails/409999/large/bwluav9tywdpy2symdiwmduymc0ymze2mc1mddbubjmuanbn.jpg?1589983063 "Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: A Guide for Middle School Teachers [Pdf] Unit Plan")
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: A Guide for Middle School Teachers [Pdf]
Visit this resource to find a wealth of poems, lesson plans, and classroom activities to help middle school students discover the diversity in African American poets and create their own voice in poetry. This resource is in PDF form.